Most ruins are probably still buried under Parikia, although excavations around the ancient cemetery on the waterfront have revealed many exciting finds. The area is now a veritable archaeological park with tombs, photos, urns, statuettes and more.
On a hill towards Aliki lie the remains of two temples. These are the Temple of Askipios from the 4th century BC and the Temple of Apollo. These healer gods were very popular on the island, although sadly not much remains of the temples.
Photo: www.aboutparos.gr
The area of Tholakia near Parikia a pottery workshop has been found with six furnaces, storage rooms and two tanks. Below that lie archaic ruins with a child’s burial box dating from the Geometrical period.
The area of Kastrorouni also boasts remains of houses from the Hellenistic period complete with mosaic floors, as well as a probable temple. Urns, tombs marble remains and statues were discovered here near St. Panteleimonas, including the well-known statue of Gorgo.
The area of Krios features an arched building built into the rock. It dates back to ancient times but its exact origins remain ambiguous. There are remains of an open-air place of worship near Marapas, with pairs of feet engraved on the rock. This is reminiscent of Egyptian traditions, which influenced the ancient Parians who had trade relations with the Egyptians.
The ruins of Dilio, including the temple of Apollo and Diana gives a good view of the whole island. Stepping up on the foundations of the old temple is said to communicate a mystical, magical feeling.
In Lageri Bay on Iconomou Island near Naoussa, there is a fortified settlement from the archaic period. The Kargadoua area also features ruins of an ancient temple. Near Naoussa there the Paleopirgos castle from the Classical era is worth investigating. Koukounaries represents the most important area archeologically, with remnants of a Mycenean palace from the 12th century BC. The prehistoric site of Plastiras features unusual statuettes among other items.
In Kostos, there are ancient marble quarries that has contributed a great deal to the island’s history, including artistic, architectural and economic prosperity. The marble’s qualities and clarity are unique, resulting in temples and statues that are outstanding. These include:
- Child of Kritias, Acropolis Museum, Athens
- Hermes of Praxiteles
- Frassiglia by Aristion, Archaeological Museum, Athens
- Male statues or Kouroi of Anavissos, Kea, Milos and Thassos
- Mantle-clad girl in the Acropolis Museum of Athens
- Mausoleum of Halicarnassus
- Temple of Zeus, Olympia
- The Harpist and the Flautist statuettes (2800-2300 BC)
- Venus de Milo
- Victory of Paros, Archaeological Museum, Paros
- Victory of Peonion, Olympia Museum
- Winged Victory of Samothrace, Louvre, Paris
On an uninhabited island called Saliagos near Antiparos, a Neolithic settlement from 4000 BC was discovered. Some of these important findings are at display in the archaeological museum of Parikia. Another uninhabited island called Despotiko also features interesting finds. Roman and Hellnistic graves lie on the beaches of Tsimintiri island, while Strongili boasts ruins of a small post-Byzantine church with parts of a more ancient building, as well as figurines and other objects.
Photo (cover): www.discovergreece.com