PAROS – ANTIPAROS HOTELIER ASSOCIATION
Marpessa, Paros…
The village of tradition and history
The Marpessa is one of the largest and most picturesque villages of Paros, offering excellent accommodation options for those wishing to explore the beautiful beaches on the island’s eastern side. With its port, Piso Livadi, it serves as an ideal destination for both relaxation and exploration. Built amphitheatrically on a small hill, Marpessa enchants visitors with its charming streets, authentic Cycladic architecture , and well-preserved old houses, many of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
Among the village’s notable landmarks are the Perantinos Sculpture Museum, the majestic Byzantine Church of the Transfiguration , and Nikolaos Stella monument, dedicated to the 23-year-old resistance fighter executed by the Germans on May 22, 1944. Within Marpessa’s narrow streets, don’t miss the small Chapel of the Annunciation, where you can admire the impressive gilded wooden iconostasis and the unique bell tower.
One of the village’s most iconic sights is the four windmills dominating Marpessa’s central square. From here, a path leads to the Monastery of Saint Anthony, perched atop Kefalos Hill. The view from the monastery stretches over the endless blue of the Aegean and the surrounding islands, offering breathtaking scenery. Kefalos Hill is, in fact, an extinct volcano, once the site of the Venetian Sommaripa Castle. The castle was destroyed during raids by the notorious pirate Barbarossawhen he captured the island in 1537.
One of the most distinctive experiences in Marpessa is Easter, featuring the striking reenactment of the Passion on Good Friday, which attracts many visitors, followed by the traditional Easter celebration filled with joy, music, and local flavors.
