Location: at the Kastro of the Chora in Naxos

 

Description: it is also called as Aperathitissa’s Tower. Still in existence to this day, it is unique among the twelve towers that, according to tradition, Marco Sanudo built comprised of ramparts. From this, we can assume how the Kastro was fortified. 

 

The entrance to the tower is located inside the Kastro, beyond the Trani Gate. The entrance’s transom is decorated with the impressive Barotsis’ Coat of Arms (crown, sword, plume and medals).  At the transom of the interior Gate leading to the tower’s large hall, one finds the Krispi Coat of Arms of the consists of three diamond shapes decorated with grapevine leaves. 

 

The grand hall of the tower is especially impressive, while its gates lead out to the roof of the structure, from which the view of the sea is unique. Here, the dukes looked out over the sea for pirate ships and if they sensed danger, the guards rushed to the roof in order to defend the Trani Gate, the main entranceway to the Kastro. From this, we get the phrase:  “it’s easier to walk through fire, than to pass through the Trani Gate”.

 

Originally, the Krispi family owned the tower, and thereafter ownership passed to the command of Vlachias Frankopoulos or “Agha”. Afterwards, it passed into the hands of Barotsis, Grand Interpreter of the High Gate, until ownership landed in the hands of P. Glezos. 

 

Several years ago, the tower looked deserted, but the Glezos family donated it to the Archaeological Service, which renovated it. The tower today houses the Byzantine Museum of Naxos.