Tour the Ancient Towers in Sifnos
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Greek’s Sifnos towers were financed by the wealth extracted from various mines scattered around the island. The first towers were located close to the gold, silver or iron mines, but the network later expanded. Eventually, they would cover both cultivated lands as well as the country’s hillsides. Here’s more information about them:
Brief History of Sifnos Towers
The ancient islanders were a resourceful people who managed to defend their territory against waves of invaders. There are a total of 57 island-wide towers, which were constructed sometime between the 6th and 3rd century B.C. The Samian war between Samos and Athens prompted the construction of the Sifnos towers sometime during the medieval period.
Key Attributes of the Towers
Many of the towers are now in ruins with the remnants consisting mainly of two floors and some interior walls. They still display both residential and defensive elements. The designs reflect the creativity of the locals in adapting to the need to guard against maritime hostilities. Prominent features include robust walls, arrow slits, and rooftop battlements.
The towers provided critical shelter during pirate raids; they also facilitated communication across different parts of the island. Their strategic placement ensured a robust defense against attacks from multiple entry points.
- Structural defenses. Since sea attacks were inevitable, islanders developed an innovative warning system. During an attack, a fire would be lit on the nearest tower’s rooftop; this signaled the next tower to ignite. The chain reaction would alert the islanders to the incoming danger.
- Symbolic legacy. These robust structures endured the test of time, and they continue to serve a symbolic purpose in the modern era. They enabled the populace to adapt to hostile conditions, maintain a fortified defense and leave a cultural legacy to the future.
Famous Towers of Sifnos
- Aspros Pyrgos. The northeastern portion of the island is home to the most famous tower, which is the White Tower. It was built sometime during the Roman era; its overall condition is relatively good compared to most other towers.
- Pyrgos Mavros. This is also called the Black Tower. It was constructed inside the relatively large village of Exambella. Its most defining feature is the distinctive octagonal shape, which sets it apart from traditional square or rectangular designs.
- Panagia Poulati. This tower combines defensive designs with ecclesiastical accents. The bell tower doubles as a watchtower to fortify the island’s defenses against sea attacks, for example. The position of this structure was strategic; its hilltop location significantly improved the visibility of the guards.
The Sifnos towers exhibit the qualities of a people who were accustomed to defending their island against attackers from the Aegean Sea. Although each structure displays unique features, they all serve as sentinels to protect islanders from maritime invasions.
While most of them served as watchtowers, some also sheltered women and children during the raids. They could also hold significant amounts of agricultural products, supplies, and water reservoirs. The ruins of these towers continue to serve as symbols of the inhabitants’ resilience across the centuries.
Categorized in: About Sifnos, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
