Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine Museum on Naxos is housed in one of Kastro’s most imposing buildings, a four-level tower with an incredible view of the harbor, close to the northwestern gate.

The Barozzi and Crispi family coats of arms, at the tower’s main entrance and interior door, respectively, serve to remind of the monument’s past owners.

Its final owner, the P. Glezos family, donated the tower to the state, which explains why it is referred to as the Glezos tower, or Apirathitissa, derived from Apiranthos, the donor family’s hometown.

Nowadays, the tower, which has been fully restored, houses the Byzantine Museum for the entire Cycladic region. On show is a very worthwhile collection of Byzantine sculptures from Naxos and the Cyclades, dated between the 7th and 12th centuries.

Also offered here is information about Byzantine monuments on Naxos and other islands, as well as other period details, including the work methods of Byzantine marble sculptors.