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JOYFUL EXPLORATION I PAROS

Snapshot from the traditional village of Lefkes,
where the pace of life is still slow and relaxed.

of the most remarkable things the island was known for in ARTS & CULTURE
antiquity was its white marble. In fact, there was a point Faithful to its cultural heritage, Marathi is the proud “birthplace”
in time where 70% of high-quality marble used across the of the finest Parian marble. The precious material some of
Mediterranean came from here. Although they are almost the all-time great masterpieces, like the world-famous Venus
completely depleted, you can still visit the ancient marble de Milo and Hermes were sculpted by, unveils its glory at
quarries in Marathi as part of a hike on foot or an excursion the ancient marble quarries. Between the villages of Piso
with a tour guide or on your own. Livadi and Logaras, a small one-aisled basilica reveals a well-
Very close to Parīlio and Cosme is a protected peninsula kept secret. Built between the 13th and 14th century, the
called Paros Park with winding walking trails, spectacular frescoes inside the temple of Agios Georgios, o Thalassitis
rock formations, magnificent views, unique beaches and are the oldest in the island. Time pass and yet art flourishes
the Ai Giannis Detis monastery, with its fascinating on the island creating direct connection from the past, the
exhibition of 18th century Paros maps. What’s more, an present and the future. Achillea Gallery at Parikia, an annex
annual festival takes place in its amphitheater and films to the corresponding gallery in Paris under the direction of
are frequently shown in the open-air cinema. Anne Bateson, is associated with the healing plant Achilles.
Unexpected and verdant, the Butterfly Valley near Sotires According to Greek mythology, Heron, the centaur, gave it
village is a natural reserve that is home to swarms of the to the hero Achilles to heal the wounds of the Myrmidons
Panaxia quadripunctaria tiger moths, who nest on leaves with his leaves. Local myths and art lead to the Folklore
and tree trunks during the day, to fly at night in the hundreds. Art Museum of Cycladic Civilization at Aliki. Curated by
They each have a set of black and white wings and reveal Benetos Skiadas, a traditional local artist, it features large
a secondary set of red wings underneath when they take miniatures of ships and important buildings with unrivaled
flight. Just like the butterflies, visitors too appreciate the art and workmanship. Visitors can admire his creations
green nature and cool breeze of this serene valley. into a beautiful garden full of olive trees, amaranths and
Even further off the beaten path is St. Antonios woodbine. Taking it to the other side, Kapopoulos Fine
Monastery near Marpissa. Perched on a hill, this small Arts at Naoussa offers original works of contemporary art
whitewashed monastery is not just typical of Greek island made by the most famous Greek and international artists,
architecture but a spot from which to enjoy marvelous such as Alekos Fassianos, Pavlos (Dionysopoulos) Mina
views of the island and the Aegean Sea alike stretching Valyraki, Mr. Brainwash, Richard Orlinski, Alec Monopoly,
as far as the eye can see, including the nearby popular Laurence Jenkell and many others. At this point, add the
island of Naxos. Founded in 1597, it is one of the oldest name of Nikos Perantinos, a sculptor and graduate of the
monasteries on the island. It has been inhabited by School of Fine Arts in Paris whose museum is located at
monks since 1642 but closed in 1834, due to the small Marpissa. He was a teacher of simplicity, who won many
number of monks in situ. awards and distinctions for his excellent work.

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