The Greek Ministry of Culture is proceeding with the restoration and enhancement of three significant Early Christian monuments in the wider Analipsi (Maltezana) area of Astypalaia. The project, focusing on late Roman to Early Byzantine-era sites (4th to 7th centuries), aims to protect these invaluable structures and integrate them into the island’s archaeological identity.
The monuments included in the restoration, configuration, and enhancement study are:
- The Late Roman–Early Byzantine Baths of Tallaras
- The Basilica of Kareklis
- The Basilica of Agia Varvara
“Astypalaia‘s geographical position, situated between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, and its natural bays for safe harbor, decisively contributed to its emergence as a significant commercial station in the Aegean, flourishing particularly during the Roman and Early Byzantine periods,” Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said.
“The three monuments set for enhancement are characteristic architectural examples of the island’s Early Byzantine era,” she added.
Detailed plans for the Christian monuments of Astypalaia
1. Baths (Loutra) of Tallaras
Located north of Maltezana harbor, the baths were revealed during an Italian excavation. They feature foundations of a hall with an exceptional mosaic floor depicting the personification of time, the zodiac, seasons, and months. A hearth, well, cisterns, and a bathtub also survive.
Planned Works: Restoration, enhanced protection, creation of a natural plant barrier, and drainage works (including pre-construction excavation) to protect the mosaics and archaeological remains from rainwater runoff.
2. Basilica of Kareklis
Situated northeast of the harbor, very close to the sea, this is a three-aisled basilica with a narthex. The aisles are on different levels due to the terrain, and a retaining wall protects the monument from marine erosion.
Planned Works: Excavation around the basilica for full exposure and conservation; cleaning and configuring the path connecting it to the Bisson monument; construction of a small retaining wall and platform for safe access; replacement of the existing fence; reinforcement and maintenance of protective walls; and installation of new information and guidance signs.
3. Basilica of Agia Varvara
Located north of Maltezana harbor on rocky ground, this is also a three-aisled basilica featuring mosaic floors in all three aisles and the narthex, marble thresholds, the foundations of the sanctuary apse, and bases of un-fluted columns.
Historical Overlay: A small chapel dedicated to Agia Varvara, along with an adjacent farmhouse, occupies a section of the central aisle. These were built during the British occupation of the Dodecanese.
Planned Works: Replacement of the temporary entrance on the south side with a new metal gate; reconstruction of the dry-stone walls with a traditional wooden entrance; and general works for the protection, enhancement, and tidiness of the monument and its surroundings.
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