This fortified tower, standing on a hill-side overlooking farmland in central Naxos, was first erected in the 17th Century. At the time the island was a feudal society dominated by Venetian aristocrats and subject to frequent attack by pirates and raiders from across the sea. The building housed a monastery, called "Timios Stavros" (the True Cross) until it was finally abandoned by the Orthodox monks and was acquired in 1834 by the newly-born Greek State. For most of the 1800s the tower was home to families of local potters. At the turn of the last century the tower was bought by the Bazeos family, who still hold the property. The structure, recently restored, now hosts art exhibitions, concerts, recitals and other cultural events.

I was struck by the strong atmosphere of the place and the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. I would have liked to film some the interior, but when I asked if this would be alright I was refused in a brusque and discourteous manner - the one and only occasion I met such unfriendliness while staying on Naxos.

More information on the tower is available here:
bazeostower.gr/eng/tower.html#javascript;

Music: "Satyric Dancer" by Andy Summers, from "Mysterious Barricades"