Paros: Culture and History in Parikia

For a trip to Paros, Parikia offers a cultural and historical focus, with themes ranging from churches and architectural history to religious festival traditions and archaeological discoveries. Paros also has other places and nature-related attractions that offer a different perspective on the destination.

The Kastro and churches in Parikia

On a walk around the Kastro, you will come across several small churches: Panagia of Stavros, Agia Anna, Agios Markos, Agios Stylianos, and Agios Konstantinos. Many of the churches around the Kastro are built into its walls. Panagia of Stavros dates back to 1514; Agios Konstantinos has a covered courtyard.

The ruins of a Venetian castle are also located on the Kastro. It was built using columns from ancient temples and other architectural elements. This makes the site a combination of churches and castle remains, incorporating reused building materials from ancient temples.

Ekatontapiliani and other buildings

Panagia Ekatontapiliani is located in the northeastern part of Parikia, just a few steps from the port. The early Christian church is a cruciform basilica. The complex also houses the Byzantine Museum of Parikia. The Church of Agios Nikolaos is opposite the port and is protected as a religious monument.

The Archaeological Museum of Paros was founded in 1960 in a room next to Parikia High School. This history of its founding adds another aspect of local history to the religious buildings, without limiting the focus to today’s sights.

Archaeological traces and festival traditions

The most significant discovery at the ancient cemetery of Parikia was a polyandreion, or communal tomb. It dates from the Late Geometric period, the 8th century BC, and is considered the only one of its kind in the Aegean. A large grave marker stands in front of the polyandreion. The tomb and grave marker give the cemetery a clear archaeological focus.

On the feast day of the Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, August 15, people from all over the island come to Parikia. The celebration includes island music and fireworks launched from fishing boats in the Bay of Parikia. A procession carrying the Epitaphios of the Virgin Mary travels along Parikia’s coastal road.

More cultural and natural attractions on Paros

Other places and landscapes on Paros offer a perspective beyond Parikia. In Lefkes stands the listed Agia Triada, a church built from Parian marble in 1835. The three-aisled basilica has a raised central nave and two bell towers. Alyki hosts a three-day cultural festival with events in the village every June.

The Paros Environmental and Cultural Park has a seven-kilometer network of hiking trails and a 700-seat amphitheater for concerts and performances. Its features also include organized and undeveloped beaches. The Butterfly Valley is a rare habitat for Jersey tiger moths, which can be seen there in large numbers on tree trunks.

Beach and getting around

Nearby Parikia is Livadia, a long sandy beach for visitors staying in Parikia and the surrounding area. Parikia’s KTEL bus station is next to the port. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the latest bus information before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Kolimpithres, Aliki, Santa Maria, Ampelas, Molos, Náousa, Piso Livadi, Andiparos.

Go to the main travel overview: Paros.