Naxos Paros The Marble Greek Islands

You want to discover the natural and cultural treasures of two of the most extraordinary Greek islands from an expert? This is the book for you! (Look also for the other books in the series) You will see this is not just another Greek islands travel guide. In this book, you will discover, through a travel story and a large number of black and white photos and maps with concise historical and architectural explanations, the known and unknown treasures of two of the most extraordinary Greek islands. Naxos. Having been the cultural and political centre of the Cyclades from ancient times to the Middle Ages, Naxos boasts a wealth of cultural treasures, covering a wide time range. The island's spectacular beaches resulted in the treasures of the hinterland remaining unknown to the wide public. Among other things, you will discover -the most impressive kouroi of ancient Greece -temples that are considered the precursors of the Parthenon -unique iconoclastic and other Byzantine churches that compose what is called the Mystras of the Aegean -one of the best-preserved fortified medieval settlements in the Aegean composing an islet from Greece of Latin domination that made it to our days -monasteries that housed schools of international fame -feudal towers -picturesque villages Paros. Possessing the quarries that produced the most exquisite marble of antiquity, from which most of the ancient masterpieces were made, Paros has been a major cultural centre of ancient Greece, the homeland of some of the greatest personalities of that time. Among other things, you will discover -one of the most important Early Christian monuments not only in Greece but in the whole Eastern Mediterranean -a well-preserved fortified medieval settlement, including one of the most bizarre and charming blends of ancient, medieval, and traditional constructions -some of the most picturesque villages in the Cyclades, resisting the invasion of tourism -an ancient sanctuary of major importance restored in an exemplary way Although these treasures are presented to you through a hiking tour, even if you don't hike you can see them since you can also reach them by car. The author of this book holds a Ph.D. in Architectural History from the National Technical University of Athens and a master's in heritage preservation from the Ecole de Chaillot of Paris. He is a professor at the University of the Peloponnese, where he teaches these subjects. He is also a fervent cultural hiker. His travel books (mostly about Greece) are addressed to you, the reader with a special interest in cultural sites. In order to help you better understand and remember these sites, they are written as a guided tour. They include encounters with interesting people and other personal travel experiences which will help you organize your own trip beyond the tourist clichés.