AUGUST | SEPTEMBER | ISSUE 36
Issue 36
PUBLISHER Popi Alimperti EDITORIAL TEAM ASSOCIATES Nikos Levogiannis Maria Kaltsa Kiki Margariti Athina Santorinaiou Athanasios Kotsakis Eleni Tselempi Nikos Baxevanos Popi Milona Stamatia Dimitrokali Maria Korre Akis Axaopoulos Katerina Mpalagoura Christos Kabris Georgia Margariti Stella Theoharatou Marietta Galani Katerina Loutou Popi Alimperti TRANSLATION Akis Axaopoulos ADVERTISING - MARKETING my naxos – free press magazine Marketing Department Τ +30 22850 22945 Κ +30 699 30 60 100 ART DIRECTOR Maria Eleftheriou Head of Marketing Department Chrisa Stavrou Κ +30 694 040 0640 M mynaxos@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY ABOVE Productions George Sfiroeras +30 693 836 6370
I unlocked the drawer tonight and took out a box full of past summer memories from the inside. I slowly opened it and the room, the house, the whole city began to smell - that salty aroma as the boat enters the harbor and when the waves crash on the beach ... Children's voices and laughs, like the notes of summer songs ... Everything was flooded with the sunlight and the full moon of the summer, with friends playing carefree around a fire on the beach ...
A summ er from th e pa st. .. Popi Alimperti
I heard the sound of the cicadas that would put us to sleep in the afternoons under the arbor, as our father told us stories. The sound of the waves when the meltemia was blowing and the nights we spent on the beach, patiently waiting for a star to fall from the sky so we can make a wish ... They all came out of the box and scattered in front of my eyes, flooded the house, the streets and the city ... I opened the window and the sea was there, as was the sun, the moon, the cicadas, the island, the summer! And yes, the summer atmosphere invites you to become a child again, to play with the sea, to procrastinate, to hang out with your friends, to spend a night without having to worry if you have to wake up early in the morning... The child inside you wants to be careless. To walk barefoot on the pebbles, to eat ice cream and lick your fingers if it runs on them, sing (even out of tune) and not to worry about the time ...
Summer is here,here you are too ... here is the child that hides inside of you, lock away your problems and let that child take the reins, even for a while! Have a great summer !
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e c a l p t i s A must vi
tastes
* Homemade lemonade& sour cherry juice * Refreshing Cocktails
4tastes is a small «gem», tucked inside the narrow Venetian streets of Tragaia, famous for its divine handmade ice cream and dreamy freshly baked waffles! What makes it stand out is the truly original and authentic flavors of ice cream, made using only pure local ingredients. Fresh milk and fruits arrive daily to the shop, where Manos makes the most savory homemade ice cream you’ve ever tasted! Enjoy your ice cream at the patio of the shop situated amidst the old mansions that are adorned with colorful bougainvilleas and let your mind travel to another era.
The lack of symmetry, the many levels at different heights, the small openings, the chimneys, the masonry steps with the wooden railings, the gutters and the cobbled streets are the key elements of the houses and settlements.
The architectural characte of settlements in rural Naxos Christos Kampris Architect
2021
TheNaxos Festival program at Bazeos Tower 13.08.2021 Friday | 21:30 «Rimbautika» Michalis & Pantelis Kalogerakis The Kalogerakis brothers present the stormy relationship of the poet Arthur Rimbaud with Paul Verlaine through the exchanged love letters while performing «rebetika» songs. The musical narration attempts to highlight the invisible threads that link Rimbaud’s «rebetiko» lifestyle to the intense poetic world of rebetika songs by giving the title «Rebetiko». With the participation of Lena Kitsopoulou, singing. Stratos Grintzalis, bouzouki, mandolin. Alexis Stenakis, clarinet, piano.
28.08.2021 Saturday | 21:30 «Port Stories» Manolis Pappos, bouzouki– Vasilis Rakopoulos, guitar – Haris Lambrakis, ney– Thanos Hatzianagnostou, percussions. Guest : Nana Binopoulou A contemporary look at the roots of the Rebetiko tradition and its relation to other musical genres such as the Blues and Fado. An approach combining open ended improvisation and melodic development as expressed within contemporary jazz trends. Four composers, skilled musicians from different musical backgrounds and a particular love for world music traditions, take us on a journey, with their improvisations and compositions round the Ports of the World. Rebetika, Blues, Fado, Flamenco and others, all speak of poverty, pain and injustice as
expressed in the lyrics and their characteristic flattened notes. And Music like a miraculous Goddess comforts with a magical and mysterious power, raising the spirits of both the artist and the audience.
27/06 – 26/09 Nikos Moschos Aniamated Connotations-Art Exhibition Paintings and new sculptures of the artist are developed inside the tower in lively dialogue with the authentic architecture of the space. Bazeos Tower Daily except Monday: 10:00 – 17:00 Venues: Bazeos Tower, 12th klm City of NaxosAgiassos road T +30 22850 31402 Organizer: “AEON” Non-Profit Cultural Organization Artistic Director: Stelios Krasanakis Production Manager: Mario Vazaios E. naxosculture@gmail.com bazeostower.gr | naxosfestival.gr
*Considering everyone’s health and wellbeing, we strongly recommend that spectators keep safe distances. Face masks are mandatory.
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IPHIMEDEIA LUXURY HOTEL & SUITES Saint George, Airport Road | Naxos Island +30 22850 25049 | info@iphimedeia.com www.iphimedeia.com
more info at tel.: +30 6985 814 492
Dionysus and Ariadne
Theseus and his mates slept in the boat. Dionysus, who had seen Ariadne and fallen in love with her, visited Theseus in a dream and told him to get away without her.
N
axos history has evolved through the years and there’s evidence that it covers most of the 3rd millennium B.C. The excavations at Grotta, the Cave of Za and other sites of the island prove that the Bronze Age civilization, the First Cycladic had roots on the island during the Neolithic Period. Small settlements existed on the islands where the inhabitants main occupation was farming and tending to their cattle during the First Cycladic Period I (3200-2700 B.C.). Larger communities established during the second First Cycladic period (27002300 B.C.) on coastal areas proves that marine life played a major role in the lives of the Naxians, more so during the third First Cycladic Period (2300-2000 B.C.) when those settlements became cities and major ports. Grotta was one of those cities. There is limited information about Naxos during the Bronze Age. On the other
Grotta was one of those cities. There is limited information about Naxos during the Bronze Age. information about Naxos during the Bronze Age
hand, Naxos played an important role during the Mycenaean Period (16001100 B.C.). Excavation at the site has shown that the city was fortified. After the fall of the Mycenaean civilization, Grotta was abandoned and people moved to the fortified interior of the island (Tsikalario). The Archaic Period (7th-6th centuries B.C.) is the Golden Age for Naxos. The strengths of the island develop completely and Naxos contributes to the development of the Greek civilization. The economic strength of Naxos is felt far away, and during the reign of the Tyrant Ligdami (540-524 B.C.) the islands of Paros, Andros and Koufonisia were under the authority of Naxos. (Herodotus writes about the authority of Naxos as a marine power and gives evidence of a democratic state either before or in conjunction with democracy in Athens).
The contribution of Naxos to the Greek architecture is evident as well. The Temples of God Dionysos at Yria, Demeter at Sagri, God Apollo at Delos and Dilion at Palatia, prove that Naxos was a major contributor in the development of the Ionic rhythm of architecture. During the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. the wars that erupt between Greece and Persia, and the rivalry between Athens and Sparta had a negative influence on Naxos. The destruction by the Persians at 490 B.C. and the submission to the Athenian authority at 474 B.C., diminished the influence the island once had. After the independence of the islands
from the Athenian rule, Naxos sees improvements and a steady climb in population. During the Roman Empire, Naxos becomes the place of exile for important people. A statue of Roman general Anthony depicting God Dionysus was dedicated at the Temple of Yria at 42 B.C.
Naxos, as the Center of the Aegean Duchy A time in history that left a visible mark on the island is that of the occupation by the Venetians. Following the destruction of Constantinople by the Crusaders and distribution of Byzantine land to the leaders of the Crusades, Markos Sanoudos occupies the islands of Naxos, Paros, Antiparos, Ios, Kithnos and Sifnos, thus creating the Aegean Duchy with Naxos being the center of it. Naxos already being a strategic military center of the Aegean with the Castle of Apalirou, which was surrendered to the Venetians after a five week war. A year after the Venetians occupied Naxos, and the Orthodox Hierarchy dismantled, Pope Inouentios III, gives the order for the first Catholic church on Greek land to be build here, near the main tower of the Castle. The Sanoudos dynasty (12071372) was followed by the dynasty of the Krispi family that lasted approximately 200 years. At the beginning of the 16th century the Krispi family had to deal with the threatening presence of the Ottoman navy in the Aegean, that started in 1537 by admiral Hairentin Barbarosa. The Duke Ioannis Krispi, afraid of losing his seat, decides to pay a yearly tax of 5,000 ducat to the Ottomans. In 1566, after Iakovos Krispi successor of Ioannis Krispi is jailed in Constantinople, Iosif Naxi becomes the new duke. Meanwhile with the Cyclades being under Ottoman ru-le and the death of Iosif Naxi, a delegation travels to Constantinople, to ask the Ottomans to grant the island special privileges, which were given to them by Sultan Mourat III. In the following years three commu-
nities were established in Naxos. One of the Castle with Venetian descendants, the community of Bourgou made out of Orthodox Christians living in the city and the community of the villages. Following these events and with the fall of the Ottoman empire, Naxos had gained autonomy and emerged again as an intellectual and economic authority. The relationship of the island with Smyrna (Izmir) that began in the mid 18th century and the education of Naxians at Ionics academies, assisted with the economic prosperity of the island, while the treaty with Kioutsouk Kainartzi in 1774, helped with the rapid development of Naxos.
Naxos during the Independence War of 1821 and the Nazi occupation On the eve of the revolution of 1821 the relations between the Venetian nobles and the rest of the population had turned sour. The news of the independence war was received with enthusiasm. General Dimitrios Ypsilantis, friend of Naxos native Ioannis Paparigopoulos, an active member of the Filiki Etairia, dispatched Evaggelo Matzaraki and Dimitrio Themeli to the island to persuade the local population. On the 27th of May 1821, the Bishop of Paros-Naxos Ierotheos along with eight noble elders sign the proclamation of the independence war. The intellectual and economic dominance of Naxos continued in the 19th century. The 20th century can be characterized as a period of immigration, brought on by the occupation of the island during World War II. Naxos was occupied by the Italians on the 5th of May 1941, to be followed by the Nazis after the treaty of Italy on the 7th of September 1943. On October 12, 1944 one platoon of Ieros Lohos, (Sacred Company), in cooperation with the resistance army of EAM and the “Military Liaison” surrounded the German forces at the Castle forcing them to surrender.
The herbal varieties of Naxos & their medicinal properties The quest in the wonderful world of herbs for each of us perhaps started with an experience, an image, a taste...or the interest to form an alternative relationship with nature. According to the definition in the Oxford English Dictionary “herbs are all useful plants, whose roots, stems, blossoms and leaves serve as food or therapy, thanks to their aroma and other qualities”. The history of civilizations is full of myths and traditions referring to the therapeutic use of plants. Around the world, from antiquity to modern times, different cultures have discovered various uses for herbs. Myths, legends, tradition and medicine reflect this knowledge.
The local varieties of herbs Naxos has a large variety of wild herbs with beneficial properties. Many of them are used in the production of ointments to cure ailments of the skin and other conditions.
1. Balsam: It can be found in Melanes in the vicinity around the Kouros. The ointment that derives from it is used to heal burns, wounds, cuts and cramps.
2. Wild bay leaves: It grows at Ayios Thalalaios and the
ointment they produce is a wonderful tonic for hair. It also helps relieve pain on sprains and bruises.
3. Eucalyptus: It is abundant in all areas of Naxos and it is suitable for relieving sinuses.
4. Wild mint: It is found in Apiranthos and it is recommended for sinus relief.
5. Nettle: This herb is abundant in all areas. It produces an
excellent ointment used to cure eczema, itching, insect bites and wounds.
6. Calendula: It grows throughout the island and it is widely used to cure athlete’s foot, burns, cuts, abrasions and muscle spasms.
7. Chamomile: It grows abundantly as well. Its ointment is used to soothe irritated skin, itching, insect bites, eczema and irritated tired eyes.
8. Lavender: It grows abundant on the river beds and it is suitable for the relief of cramps and joint pain.
9. Thyme: It can be found throughout Naxos and its ointment is used in cases of hair loss, skin disorders, wounds, burns, scabies, ringworm, arthritis and rheumatism.
10. Oregano: It is mainly found in Kaloxylos and it’s used to cure wounds, lice, sores, rheumatism and joint pain.
11. Louiza: It mainly grows in Kaloxylo as well and its use is
suited for the treatment of migraines, headaches, skin disorders and fever.
12. Sage: It is found everywhere in Naxos and it is beneficial on various skin disorders.
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A DREAM STAY FOR A DREAM HOLIDAY At the center of Aegean Sea, where the deep blue sky meets the endless sea, the most beautiful island of Cyclades, Naxos is located. to Saint George’s beach one of the most beautiful beaches of the island is situated the Hotel Princess of Naxos which can offer you its hospitality during your holidays. For both leisure and business travelers Άγιος Γεώργιος, Χώρα Νάξου info@princessofnaxos.com T +30 22850 25387 | +30 697 2035817 | +30 697 2035798 www.princessofnaxos.com
Papavasiliou street – Hora, Naxos | Tel.: 228 530 1029 – Mob.: 697 449 5243
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“gems” of rural Naxos lost in time...
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A church, a story recorded through the centuries... Jack Axaopoulos
Naxos will captivate you at first glance. Nothing that you have seen so far can compare with the feelings and impressions you will have once you get acquainted with this Cycladic Island... In Naxos with the constant variations in landscape, apart from its natural beauty and its endless beaches, seek its culture and history ... Towers, castles, museums and numerous other monuments scattered around the island, waiting to be explored...
Churches and chapels with multiple architectural styles, aniconic (ie the iconoclastic period) and “two-section” churches where one section is Catholic and the other Orthodox, from a period when the unification of the two churches was pursued.
way to Chalki- is one of Naxos’s oldest. The church, part of an old monastery, has a unique architectural style, with bare stonewalls, a three-part roof with a dome and three adjoining chapels on the northern side with square dome bases on their roofs. Some of the frescoes that have been saved date to the 6th century and are considered among the oldest in the Balkans, while the rest belong to The Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Pro- the period between the 11th and 14th centuries. tothroni at Chalki is one of Naxos’s oldest The church also features a marble temple; marand most important religious monuments. ble stands for votive candles and the old icon Initially built in the early Christian period as of Panagia Drossiani – connected with many a three-aisled basilica, it was converted into legends and traditions. a cruciform, domed church in the 9th century. Two additional aisles were built later. According to one of these, the church was so The interior has five layers of frescoes, from named because the area was blessed by Virgin the early iconoclastic Christian period, of the Mary with plentiful waters and was therefore 9th century, 10th, 11th and 13th centuries. “cool” (Drossia=cool). The fresco in the alcove of the altar depicting Virgin Mary with a spindle is considered unique in the Balkans. According to legend, the church was named Protothroni because it was the first to be built in Naxos, and has been Agii Apostoli is a cruciform domed Byzantine in uninterrupted service since 1052. church built in the10th -11th centuries and of rare architectural style, being the only twostory church found in Naxos. The top floor, which was probably a chapel, is accessed via an external staircase above the entrance. The interior retains very few fresThe Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Dros- coes of the 12th-13th centuries, discovered siani – a short distance from Moni, on the under a whitewash cover.
Panagia Protothroni
Churches, a treasure waiting to be discovered An important part of the history and culture of the island are its churches, “gems” you meet everywhere adorning villages, mountains, the countryside and beaches, resemble a visible treasure you can discover. At Moni, Panagia Drosiani has the oldest frescoes in the Balkans, Panagia Protothroni in Halki with a 2000-year-old history and Ai Giorgis Diasoritis, another church with a long history and unique beauty. In Kerami the church of the Agoii Apostoloi bring to mind a beautiful painting with an olive grove as the background and Saint Mamas in Potamia, a 9th century Byzantine monument of great importance.
Agii Apostoli
The Church of Panagia Drossiani
Agios Georgios Diassoritis
Agios Georgios Diassoritis is a Byzantine church in the Tragea valley, located between Chalki and Monitsia. It is a cruciform domed church built in the 10th-11th centuries, with many and rare frescoes from the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. It is said to have been built on the ruins of an ancient temple of Zeus but this has not been officially verified.
Agios Mamas The lush valley of Potamia hosts the Byzantine chapel of Agios Mamas – patron saint of shepherds. Widely known as Theoskepasti, the 10th century chapel is one of the island’s oldest and was most likely built on the foundations of an early Christian church. It is cruciform and of considerable architectural and archaeological interest, with noteworthy sculptures and frescoes inside. Agios Mamas was originally a Greek Orthodox cathedral that was converted into a Catholic church by the Frankish conquerors in 1207. It is accessed via a footpath starting at the village of Potamia. Information: naxos.gr
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Find a doctor Nektarios Margaritis Otolaryngologist (adult and children’s surgeon) E.N.T. Surgeon: +30 228 530 1029 +30 697 449 5243
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