Perched on the hill that serves as the natural acropolis of Naxos Town, approximately 30 meters above sea level, Marco Sanudo built the Castle of Chora. The fortress was constructed on the remnants of the ancient acropolis, reusing building materials from the old city, which had suffered extensive damage due to pirate raids. Entrance to the Castle is through the famous “Trani Porta,” leading visitors into an atmospheric medieval settlement. This area was not only a residential space but also the administrative, spiritual, and religious center of Venetian rule on the island. At the heart of the Castle lies the central square, home to the Catholic cathedral and the ruins of a tower, traditionally considered to have been Sanudo’s palace. Nearby are the Ursuline school, the Capella Casazza, and the old Commercial School, where the renowned Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis studied for one year. Today, the same building houses the Archaeological Museum of Naxos, displaying important artifacts from the island’s history. The well-preserved mansions of the Castle are still inhabited by Catholic residents, descendants of the Venetians, each carrying its own stories and legends. One of these mansions, on the northwestern side of the Castle, is open to the public as a Venetian museum. The venue hosts exhibitions and musical events, often featuring local artists from Naxos. Strolling through the cobblestone streets of the Castle, visitors encounter small shops, traditional cafés, and welcoming tavernas, where the vibrancy of modern life blends harmoniously with the area’s rich historical heritage.
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