Sanctuary of Yria, Archaeological site in Livadi valley, Naxos, Greece.
The Sanctuary of Yria is an archaeological site in Livadi valley featuring the remains of four successive temples built at the same location over many centuries. The structures display marble elements and architectural remnants from different periods, revealing how the complex evolved and expanded over time.
The sanctuary was founded around 1300 BCE and experienced continuous rebuilding phases through the Roman period. Its final transformation occurred in the 5th century CE when a Christian basilica replaced the temple structure.
This sanctuary served as a center of worship and pilgrimage for generations of people in the Naxos region. The successive rebuildings across different eras show how the place remained spiritually important to those who lived nearby.
The site is accessible to visitors daily and allows you to walk among the temple remains to see the different construction layers from various periods. Wear comfortable shoes as the ground is uneven and there is little shade on the grounds.
Hidden within the foundation layers is one of the earliest known Ionic column bases in Greece, marking a crucial step in how ancient builders developed classical architectural styles. This subtle discovery is frequently overlooked by visitors even though it helps scholars understand the birth of Greek building traditions.
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