2The Frankish Castle of Parikia
Dominating the old town of Parikia is the impressive Frankish Castle of Parikia, a reminder of the island’s medieval past.
The castle was built in the 13th century during the period when the Duchy of the Archipelago controlled many of the Cycladic islands. Venetian rulers constructed the fortress to defend the harbor and protect the local population from pirate raids.
Interestingly, many of the stones used to build the castle were taken from ancient Greek temples and buildings. As a result, visitors can still see fragments of classical columns and inscriptions embedded in the walls.
Today the castle stands at the center of Parikia’s historic district, surrounded by narrow streets and traditional houses. Climbing to the top offers beautiful views over the harbor and the surrounding town, making it both a historical landmark and a scenic viewpoint.
