Frankish Castle, Paros

The Frankish Castle in Parikia is a charming historical neighborhood rather than a traditional castle, known locally as "kastro," which means castle in Greek. While it may not resemble a conventional fortress, this picturesque area features ancient walls and the remnants of a tower, which were once integral parts of the castle's defensive structure. Interestingly, the castle's grounds even contain traces of an ancient temple, believed by some to be the Temple of Demeter, providing a glimpse into Paros' rich history.

The construction of the Frankish Castle can be traced back to 1260 when Paros was under Venetian rule as part of the Duchy of Naxos. The Venetian Duke of Naxos, Marco Sanudo, initiated the construction of the Parikia Castle, utilizing marble sourced from ancient Greek temples. Within the confines of this Frankish castle, visitors can explore the Christian Orthodox Church of Agios Constantinos, which still stands today as a testament to the island's historical and religious significance.