Parikia
Encyclopedia
Parikia is the capital and the main port of Paros
island. It is one of the most typical Cycladic settlements as it is distinguished by its narrow cobbled paths, the old churches, the small shops and the houses in blue and white. Parikia is today one of the most popular and busiest spot of the island, as its cafeterias and restaurants along the waterfront attract many visitors. Parikia is also famous for its vivid nightlife, which makes it along with Naoussa village (on the northern side of the island) the two busiest tourist resorts of Paros.
Parikia is found on the western side of the island and has 4,500 permanent inhabitants.
Manto Mavrogenous
, the heroine of the Greek War of Independence
(1821–29), who originated from Mykonos died in Parikia. There is a statue of her in the village.
On 26 September 2000 the ferry MS Express Samina collided with the Portes islets off the bay of Parikia, killing 82 of those on board.
, whose name actually means "the Church of 100 doors". This ecclesiastical complex was originally built in the mid-6th century by the Byzantine
Emperor Justinian the Great
on the site of an ancient gymnasium
and a 4th century Christian church. Today it has many interesting frescoes on its walls and it hosts the Ecclesiastical Museum of Parikia. Close to Parikia, you will also find some other interesting monasteries, such as the Monastery of Logovardas, the Monastery of Saint Anargyroi and the Monastery of Jesus of the Forest.
In the centre of Parikia, you can see some Neoclassical mansions hosting public services.
The trademarks of Parikia are the preserved windmill in the port and the Venetian Castle, on top of the village, which was built by the Venetians
in the early 17th century. The walls of the Castle have been built with remains of ancient temples.
Paros
Paros is an island of Greece in the central Aegean Sea. One of the Cyclades island group, it lies to the west of Naxos, from which it is separated by a channel about wide. It lies approximately south-east of Piraeus. The Municipality of Paros includes numerous uninhabited offshore islets...
island. It is one of the most typical Cycladic settlements as it is distinguished by its narrow cobbled paths, the old churches, the small shops and the houses in blue and white. Parikia is today one of the most popular and busiest spot of the island, as its cafeterias and restaurants along the waterfront attract many visitors. Parikia is also famous for its vivid nightlife, which makes it along with Naoussa village (on the northern side of the island) the two busiest tourist resorts of Paros.
Parikia is found on the western side of the island and has 4,500 permanent inhabitants.
History
The history of Parikia starts in the ancient times, as the monuments all over the village show. The port gave to Paros all its strength and made it a great naval power. For a long time, the village followed the historical paths of the rest of the island.Manto Mavrogenous
Manto Mavrogenous
Manto Mavrogenous was a Greek heroine of the Greek War of Independence. A rich woman, she spent all her fortune for the Hellenic cause. Under her encouragement, her European friends contributed money and guns to the revolution....
, the heroine of the Greek War of Independence
Greek War of Independence
The Greek War of Independence, also known as the Greek Revolution was a successful war of independence waged by the Greek revolutionaries between...
(1821–29), who originated from Mykonos died in Parikia. There is a statue of her in the village.
On 26 September 2000 the ferry MS Express Samina collided with the Portes islets off the bay of Parikia, killing 82 of those on board.
Sights
The most famous monument in Parikia is the church of Panagia EkatontapilianiPanagia Ekatontapiliani
Panagia Ekatontapyliani is a historic Byzantine church complex in Parikia town, on the island of Paros in Greece. The church complex contains a main chapel surrounded by two more chapels and a baptistery with a cruciform font.The origin of the church's name is obscure, as it does not have one...
, whose name actually means "the Church of 100 doors". This ecclesiastical complex was originally built in the mid-6th century by the Byzantine
Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire during the periods of Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, centred on the capital of Constantinople. Known simply as the Roman Empire or Romania to its inhabitants and neighbours, the Empire was the direct continuation of the Ancient Roman State...
Emperor Justinian the Great
Justinian I
Justinian I ; , ; 483– 13 or 14 November 565), commonly known as Justinian the Great, was Byzantine Emperor from 527 to 565. During his reign, Justinian sought to revive the Empire's greatness and reconquer the lost western half of the classical Roman Empire.One of the most important figures of...
on the site of an ancient gymnasium
Gymnasium (ancient Greece)
The gymnasium in ancient Greece functioned as a training facility for competitors in public games. It was also a place for socializing and engaging in intellectual pursuits. The name comes from the Ancient Greek term gymnós meaning "naked". Athletes competed in the nude, a practice said to...
and a 4th century Christian church. Today it has many interesting frescoes on its walls and it hosts the Ecclesiastical Museum of Parikia. Close to Parikia, you will also find some other interesting monasteries, such as the Monastery of Logovardas, the Monastery of Saint Anargyroi and the Monastery of Jesus of the Forest.
In the centre of Parikia, you can see some Neoclassical mansions hosting public services.
The trademarks of Parikia are the preserved windmill in the port and the Venetian Castle, on top of the village, which was built by the Venetians
Republic of Venice
The Republic of Venice or Venetian Republic was a state originating from the city of Venice in Northeastern Italy. It existed for over a millennium, from the late 7th century until 1797. It was formally known as the Most Serene Republic of Venice and is often referred to as La Serenissima, in...
in the early 17th century. The walls of the Castle have been built with remains of ancient temples.