Naousa, Paros

Naoussa (Greek Νάουσα ( f sg ) ( Náousa ) ) is a port and fishing village in the north of the Greek island of Paros.

It lies at the southern end of the bay " Órmos Naoùsia ", about ten kilometers from the main town. Naoussa with its (2011) 2,516 inhabitants is the second largest town on the island and has in addition to the "Island Capital" Parikia the second port, which is not hit by the regularly scheduled ferries. The place is located close to the small harbor and has plenty of narrow streets on. The houses are built in traditional Cycladic style.

Directly from the site, there are no noteworthy beaches, bays and beaches are some several hundred meters from Naoussa. From the small port of hourly public bathing boats to various beaches. In recent years, tourism plays an increasingly important role. Compared to the main town of Parikia there are fewer tourists and building in Naoussa. While in the village are numerous tavernas, who settled on the outskirts or just outside many hotels and pensions.

To the town and harbor Parikia performs the most important and developed according to the main road of the island. On this route runs at least hourly bus service between the two towns.

History

Exact data about the first settlers have not survived, but one can assume that the place was already inhabited around 2800 BC. This is an Early Cycladic burial ground. In the 8th century BC was located on the southwest side of the bay a thriving settlement. Gained fame through his Naoussa harbor, which was used in Roman times to ship the then very famous Parian marble in the entire Mediterranean world.

After the Arab raids of the 9th and 10th century, it became de facto capital of the island. From the time of the Venetians, a round tower ( castle ) has been preserved. Also interesting is the fact that there is a Catholic church in the village, which houses three grave plates Frankish knights. In the 17th century, the monastery Zoodohos Pigi was built on a hill that is named after its founder also called Longovarda. In the 6th Venetian Turkish War ( 1645/1660-1669 ), the port of Naoussa on the state quarters of the Venetian fleet. In the 5th Russian Turkish War ( 1768-1774 ) was the Russian fleet, which was under the command of Alexei Orlov, their headquarters in the town. This fact used the Orthodox Greeks to harass the living on the island infamous " Latins ", ie Catholics, so that almost all Catholics emigrated.