The town of Parikia (or Paroikià) is the capital of the island of Paros, has about 4,500 inhabitants and is located on the west coast of the island. In Parikia there is also the main port of Paros, which connects the island with the port of Athens and with the other islands of the Cyclades archipelago.
The history of Parikia
The history of Parikia begins in antiquity and fits in with the development of the ancient city of Phylakopi (2400-2000 BC). In 1900 an urban settlement was found on the "Kastro" of Parikia, a 15 m high hill near the harbor inlet, with the elements of Phylakopi. Remains of walls built with roughly hewn stones, 50 cm thick, paved or covered with cocciopesto areas, windows, thresholds and remains of over two hundred and fifty containers were found, which reveal a group of rich houses. This settlement continued to exist until the Mycenaean period, as evidenced by the ceramic remains found. The port of Parikia also offered important protection to the fleet, which over the centuries acquired a certain predominance in the Aegean.
In 1260 AD, under Venetian rule, the acropolis of Parikia was transformed into a fortified castle, surrounded by semicircular walls, and became the center of city life.
The two sanctuaries built in the caves date back to the same period, the Grotta di Archiloco, on the western promontory and the Grotta delle Ninfe, located on the coast of Haghia Anna.
Magdalene Mavrogenous, better known as Manto Mavrogenous was the heroine of the Greek war of independence (1821–1829) and died in Parikia in 1840. She is much admired not in Paros but also in Mykonos, where in the square that bears her name , stands a statue of his with his eyes fixed on the sea, which reminds locals and visitors of his invaluable contribution to the freedom of his country.
What to visit in Parikia
Parikia is one of the main tourist resorts on the island of Paros. There are many places of historical and artistic interest to visit. Among these, the most important is certainly the Basilica della Panagia Ekatontapiliani, whose name means church with 100 gates. The oldest parts of the ecclesiastical complex are the chapel of San Nicola and the baptistery dating back to the 4th century. The main building was added in the 6th century by the will of the Byzantine emperor Justinian. The suggestive Basilica of the Panagia Ekatontapiliani was built on the ruins of the ancient gymnasium and a previous Christian building of the fourth century, of which the remains are visible. Inside there are valuable mosaics and frescoes dating from the sixth and seventh centuries. The Panagia Ekatontapiliani Basilica is located in the center of the city of Parikia, in the port area. While walking through the city alleys, teeming with tourists, stop to visit this beautiful basilica, which will immediately give you a feeling of peace and spirituality.
The Archaeological Museum of Paros, founded in 1960, is today one of the most important museums in Greece, thanks to its precious finds from the archaeological sites of Paros and Antiparos. The finds preserved in the archaeological museum date back to periods between the Neolithic and the beginning of Christianity and include: the Nike of Paros, Cycladic statuettes, mosaics, amphorae from a laboratory on the island and much more. The Archaeological Museum of Parikia also houses artifacts from pottery and sculpture workshops from all over the island. In the atrium there are statues and sarcophagi dating back to the classical and Roman period and mosaics found in the Basilica of Panagia Ekatontapiliani. Among the most relevant finds, the museum includes the ancient 1.35-meter-high marble statue of Gorgon, dating back to the mid-sixth century and perfectly preserved. According to mythology, Gorgon was a monster that terrified and petrified anyone who dared to challenge him. The statue was found in the temple of an ancient public building in Parikia.
The Archaeological Museum of Parikia is to be considered a must on your holiday in Paros!
Opening hours: every day except Monday from 8.00 to 15.00
In the ancient Agora of Parikia, which today corresponds to the so-called Market Street, the central shopping street, you will notice in a cross on the right a very particular building, in clear mamo: these are the remains of the Venetian Castle of Parikia, also called Frankish Castle . The castle was built in 1260 by the Venetian duke of Naxos for defensive purposes. It had an elliptical plan and was protected by sturdy walls and a rectangular tower. The main feature of this castle is that many elements taken from ancient buildings of the island of Paros and the neighboring islands were used for its construction, without regard for their historical and artistic value. Rather common practice in the past, which today leaves nothing short of amazed. The marble elements that cover the walls were taken from the temple of Athena dating back to the fifth century. B.C. We can clearly distinguish parts of colonists cut into discs and used to build the walls.
The beach of Parikia
The beach of Parikia is called Livadia and although it is located near the port, the sea is clean and boasts the blue flag. It is a beautiful golden sand beach, mixed with small colored pebbles, equipped with every service. For example, at the Tango Mar you can make free use of sunbeds and umbrella by paying a minimum consumption of € 3. There is also a stretch of free beach if you want to bring your umbrella or take shelter in the shade of a tree. Along the road that runs along the beach you will find some characteristic taverns, restaurants and bars.
One of the most beautiful things about Parikia are its incredible sunsets over the sea, to be enjoyed until the last second, sipping a refreshing drink, with eyes fixed on the horizon.
Nightlife of Parikia
Parikia boasts a lively nightlife which makes it an important tourist center on the island of Paros. The Dubliner is a large structure consisting of various rooms that can hold up to 3,500 people. Among which the Salsa Bar, for lovers of Caribbean dancing and the Dubliner, the classic Irish Pub where you can sip a good beer while having a chat. Most of Parikia's night clubs are concentrated on the promenade, for example the Evinos which opens at six in the afternoon, offers softer entertainment on the terrace, where you can admire the fantastic panorama sipping a drink with a pleasant background music, while inside we go wild with rock and funk music at full volume.
Whatever your favorite music genre, spend at least one evening in Parikia! Among the characteristic shops in the center, the clubs on the beach and the numerous fresh fish restaurants, we are sure you will spend unforgettable evenings!
A curiosity: one of the central scenes of the famous film "Immaturi, the journey", shot entirely on the island of Paros, was shot in the center of Parikia and the place you see in the film is the Mana Mana, an excellent restaurant that is become even more popular after the release of the film.