The most characteristic image of Naxos is the great gate just outside Chora. The locals call it the Portara – the great door, and it is the most photographed spot on the island.The gate was built in the 6th century BC by order of the tyrant Legdames. It was to be a temple to the god Apollo, but the building was abandoned when war broke out between Naxos and Samos. Later, Christians built a church on top of the unfinished temple. A very good time to go to the gate is in the evening when you will get to see a fantastic sunset. Parts of the temple was also used to build the Castle in Chora. The Castle is dominating the Old town, all its little streets lead to it. The archaeological museum of Naxos there is well worth a visit.It is located at the commercial school and used to be a place where catholic monks had a school.The famous Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis stayed here for a while.
All findings from excavations are kept in the archaeological museum, proof of the uninterrupted cultural presence in Naxos from pre-historic times until the end of the ancient times. There are plenty of castles and towers on Naxos Island and most of them are still standing. Border tower protecting the Castle of Sanoudos in Chora. The wall surrounding the fortress is pentagonal and has three gates. Glezos Tower (Crispi) stands near the northwestern gate and extends in part along the western andnorthern side of the Castle. It has four floors and it is the only castle in Naxos Island with a round tower attached to it.
The Bazaios Tower at the village of Sangri is probably the best preserved Tower of Naxos. It was built around 1600 and it was a monastery until the beginning of the 19th century. Today it is home to the annual Naxos Festival. The Bellonias Tower is 4 km from Chora and worths a visit for the beautiful architecture and the church of St. Ioannis that is both orthodox and catholic. The impressive Tower- monastery called Pyrgos Ipsilis is on the way to Apolonas village and on the village of Chalki is the Tower Barotsi. Discovering the Towers of Naxos is a unique time travelling experience.