One of the most important and interesting sights of the Greek island of Naxos is undoubtedly Castro - a medieval fortress built by the Venetians. Grand fortification towers on top of a small hill about 30 meters in height in the center of the island's capital of the same name.

In the early 13th century after the Fourth Crusade the Venetians led by merchant Marc Sanudo conquered the islands of the Cyclades, on land which was founded as a result of Duchy of the Archipelago (the Duchy of the Archipelago), with the main residence on the island of Naxos. Marco Sanudo was his first Duke. Actually in his decree on the ruins of the ancient acropolis and built an impressive fortress for the Venetians became an important administrative, cultural and religious center.

Construction of the fortress began in 1207. In the course of work as building materials mostly used different architectural fragments more ancient structures, including marble blocks from the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The fortress was a huge building pentagonal shape with three entrances and seven defensive towers. For massive walls hid a well-fortified medieval village with a maze of narrow cobbled streets with multiple arched beams, old mansions (on the doors of some of them and today we can see the coat of arms of the Venetian nobility) and churches.

One of the most interesting places of the old fortress, of course, is an old mansion belonging to the family of Della Rocco Barroso, the walls of which today houses an excellent museum of Venice. In summer, there are plenty of various cultural events. Huge interest are located in the old school building, the Archaeological Museum, which is considered one of the best on the islands of the Cyclades, the Catholic Cathedral (13th century) in the main square of Castro and the Crispi Tower (Glezos).

Fortress Naxos well enough preserved to this day, and is a fine example of a Venetian fortified architecture and an important historical monument. Strolling through the narrow streets of the Castro, you get a lot of fun and excitement and will be able to fully experience the atmosphere of the medieval city.