Eirini Papadaki
Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis next to the Temple of Demeter
Just outside the village of Sangri on Naxos Island in the Cyclades is the ruins of the Temple of Demeter. Demeter was a grain goddess, so it seems only natural to find her temple out here among the rich fields of Naxos.
The Temple of Demeter was built in the 6th-century BC and is one of the few known temples with a square floor plan. The temple was partially dismantled in the 6th century AD when it was replaced with a church. In later centuries it was abandoned and plundered for its marble.
Until recently, the temple was in complete ruin. But a few years ago it was discovered that most of the columns and stones of the original temple still remained on site, either buried or used in the ruined chapel.
The site is open to the public and free. It can be reached by car or on foot (about a 30-minute walk) south of Sangri.
Information source: www.sacred-destinations.com
Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis next to the Temple of Demeter
Just outside the village of Sangri on Naxos Island in the Cyclades is the ruins of the Temple of Demeter. Demeter was a grain goddess, so it seems only natural to find her temple out here among the rich fields of Naxos.
The Temple of Demeter was built in the 6th-century BC and is one of the few known temples with a square floor plan. The temple was partially dismantled in the 6th century AD when it was replaced with a church. In later centuries it was abandoned and plundered for its marble.
Until recently, the temple was in complete ruin. But a few years ago it was discovered that most of the columns and stones of the original temple still remained on site, either buried or used in the ruined chapel.
The site is open to the public and free. It can be reached by car or on foot (about a 30-minute walk) south of Sangri.
Information source: www.sacred-destinations.com