Karpathos Province House

Location: Pigadia

The Province House of Karpathos, also known as Eparcheio in Greek, is an impressive three-building complex with strong stone walls. Located at the west end of the port of Pigadia, it was built during the Italian rule of the island, between 1926 and 1936, and served as the Italian command post. Today, the Province House belongs to the Greek government.

The three buildings are connected by open terraces and sit on the edge of the small Alexandros Papagos Square. The central building is also the tallest and features a clock tower on its last floor. The other two buildings stand on either side of the central building and consist of two floors each. Their architecture is characterized by a blend of traditional and modern styles, painted in pale yellow and blue colors.

A center that offers information on the endangered species of the Mediterrenean seal, known as Moncachus-Monachus, operates in the Province House. The exceptionally pure water and isolated coves found in Karpathos are the main reasons for the seals’ survival and continuous efforts are being made to preserve them from extinction. In the west wing, you will find the Archaeological Museum of Karpathos. This museum includes marble statues, items used in the Christian periods, and altars from ancient Greek temples.