Cultural Corridors of South East Europe

South East Europe / Western Trans-Balkan Road

The Tower of Glezos

Info Sections
The Tower of Glezos

About the site


Corridor: Western Trans-Balkan Road
Country: Greece, Chora of Naxos, Cyclades
Type: Fortress
Epoch: Middle Ages
Theme: Fortresses
World Heritage:
Middle AgesFortressesFortress

The Tower of Glezos is a border tower protecting the fortress (Castro) of Sanoudos in Chora, Naxos. The wall surrounding the fortress is pentagonal and has three gates. The Glezos tower (Krispi) stands near the northwestern gate and extends in part along the western and northern side of the fortress (Castro). It has four levels (floors) and it is the only tower in Naxos that has also a round tower attached to it.
In 1207 Frankish rule was established in the Aegean. The Venetian Markos II Sanoudos built the fortress of Chora in Naxos with circuit towers, one of which, the Glezos tower (Crispi) is still preserved. Over the main entrance to the tower is the coat-of-arms of the Crispi family.

Expert network