The Tower of Agios Petros in Andros, dating back to the Hellenistic period (4th-3rd century BC), is one of the best-preserved structures in all of the Cyclades. This impressive architectural creation stands as a testament to the region’s cultural and historical heritage.
Tower of Agios Petros in Andros – Architectural Features
The Tower of Agios Petros is cylindrical, with a height of approximately 20 meters and a base diameter of 9.40 meters. Constructed entirely from local schist, it maintains a commanding presence in the landscape of Andros. Inside the tower, a helical staircase leads up to at least five floors. At the top, there is an opening covered by a large stone, and just above the lintel, there is a hatch leading to the upper level.
The small size of the tower allows only one person to ascend at a time. The spiral staircase, made of stone protruding from the interior wall, starts from the ground floor and reaches the top floor. An inner wall made of worked stone, largely destroyed today, is also present inside the tower. Notably, there is no roof, and the upper part of the tower has been demolished, with its original height estimated to have been 2-3 meters higher.
Location
The Tower of Agios Petros is built in a particularly privileged position, overlooking the Gavrio plain and facing the sea, allowing for the control of incoming ships. Additionally, around the monument, there are copper mining facilities that operated until the early 20th century. There are also indications that similar activities took place in antiquity, suggesting that the monument’s role was to oversee both land and sea.
The Tower of Agios Petros in Andros is a significant monument of the Hellenistic period and an excellent example of the architecture and history of the area. Its construction and strategic location highlight its importance in antiquity, while its preservation today makes it a valuable piece of Andros’ cultural heritage.
