Naxos Belonia's Tower

Location: Galanado

The history of Naxos is rich and reveals the island as the most important center of civilization of all the Cyclades during the ancient period. In 1207 AD the Venetians took control of this cultural hotspot and managed to keep it under their rule for three centuries. During those centuries, they built many castles, towers and fortified houses, some of which still stand tall to this day.

One of the most impressive and well-preserved Venetian structures is Belonia's Tower, located in the village of Galando, a few kilometers from Naxos Town. It was once the property of Ieronymos Sommaripa, the ruling noble of the area. Built around 1600 AD atop a small hill, it is a most imposing structure, sporting thick stone walls and flat roofs, typical of the towers of the time.

The location on which it was built features lush vegetation and affords a stunning view of the capital Chora. Right next to the structure resides a chapel dedicated to Agios Ioannis (Saint John), housing two churches separated by two aisles, one for the Greek Orthodox and one for the Roman Catholic of the island.