Sights on the island Thassos - Thassos Town or Limenas

Thassos Town with its ancient remains (mostly foundations) scattered around the town is a good place to go sightseeing. There is an ancient Agora (market place) behind the also ancient Trirema harbour, and there are remains of a small circular temple and several monumental altars. Nearby is the small Archeological Museum with a 3 meter high Kouros (sculpture of a young man) and various pieces of sculpture. The entrance is free. To the south lies a small Odeon and what is left of a paved Hellenistic street that leads to the foundations of the Arch of Caracalla. There are more remains of temples and hidden away in the forest is a well preserved theatre. Around the ancient town is the also well preserved city wall from the 4th century BC and an Acropolis. This wall around ancient Limenas was 4 kilometres long and it was made out of marble and stones. For safety against intruders the wall was strengthened, and many gates were included. The remains of the Acropolis are now incorporated into the walls of a Medieval castle (1259). From the Acropolis the road leads to a Temple of Athena.

The village of Aliki or Alyki

In Aliki in the south east of the island are the remains of a small Doric shrine and ancient marble quarries. The village is situated on a peninsula and is one of the most photogenic parts of the island. The area is of archaeological importance and in its surroundings are quite a lot of remnants from the ancient and subsequent periods. Just behind the houses on the beach is an old settlement. There is also a sanctuary of 30 to 15 metres that dates from the seventh century BC, and includes a number of Doric columns. Under these remnants they believe are even older buildings. On the site the statue of a young man (Kouros) was found, which is now in the Museum of Istanbul. In the late Roman times, in the middle of 5th century AD, two Basilicas were built in the area. Parts of the peninsula of Aliki were also exploited for marble in the 6th and 7th century AD. On the edge of the peninsula there are also some salt mines. During the Byzantine times the area was abandoned. It is also nice to combine Aliki with a visit to the monastery Archangelou because these places are situated close to each other. The monastery is southwest of Aliki and it is build on a rock /cliff at the waterfront. There is a strict dress code inside the monastery (you have to cover up) and taking pictures is not allowed (inside). Nowadays Aliki is a touristic village with a good choice in hotels, bars and taverna's. On either side of the village there is a beach.

© Hans Huisman, https://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/ 2014