Antiparos Castle

Antiparos Castle is a 15th-century fortified settlement made up of 24 two-story houses arranged in a circular pattern around a raised central area. The buildings are tightly connected to form a continuous outer wall with controlled access through gated entrances.

Giovanni Loredan built the settlement in 1440 after gaining control of the island through his marriage to Maria Sommaripa and establishing the first population. The construction represented Venetian expansion into the Aegean during the 15th century.

The settlement shows Venetian building traditions with houses facing outward, external staircases, and gates bearing family crests still visible today. This design reflects how the Venetian community organized their daily life within protective walls.

The settlement sits in the center of Antiparos town, north of the main square and behind the cathedral with open access during daylight hours. You can walk through the narrow passages and courtyards on your own without needing special arrangements.

The houses inside maintain their original 15th-century features with any renovations requiring approval from the archaeological authorities before work begins. This makes it a rare example of a place where residents continue living under strict preservation rules.