Bazeos Tower, Fortified tower house and cultural center on Naxos, Greece
Bazeos Tower is a fortified stone building from the 17th century on the Agiassos plain, about 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) east of the village of Sagri on the island of Naxos, Greece. It has two floors, a walled courtyard, a small chapel on the ground level, and living and reception rooms on the upper floors.
The structure was built in the 17th century as a fortified monastery named Timios Stavros, meaning Holy Cross, during the period of Venetian rule over the Cyclades. The monks left in the early 19th century, and in 2000 the building underwent major restoration work supported by the National Technical University of Greece.
The tower takes its name from the Bazeos family, who took ownership in the 19th century and used it as a summer residence following Venetian traditions. Today the courtyard and interior halls host summer art exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances organized by the non-profit AION.
The tower is easy to reach by car or scooter from Naxos town, along a signposted road near Sagri. Most events take place in summer, so checking the current program before visiting is a good idea.
An inscription carved into one of the interior walls bears the date 1679, marking one of the earliest recorded building phases of the monastery. After the monks left, local potter families moved in and used the rooms as a home and workspace before the Greek government purchased the property.
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