In one of the most famous and crowed beaches of the island, Aliki, you can visit the ancient temple which is dedicated to Dioskuroi Brothers. You can also see the two basilicas of the 5th century. While you walk in this area you can admire the marvelous ancient marble quarries of the world known Thassian Marble, a material which is exported all over the world, even now. According to many people, a part of Pericle’s Parthenon in the Acropoli of Athens was made using Thassian Marbe stone.
The ancient market (agora) of Thassos is a favourite destinations for many tourists. You can see it’s ruins as you take a walk in the center of Limenas. The ancient town of Thassos had two ports, one for war ships and one for commercial ones. In front of the first one is the ancient marketplace of the town, the ruins of the ancient Court, the Tholos and a Paleochristian basilica. To the east of the marketplace, heading to the acropolis, you will sea the ruins of the sanctuary of Dionysus (5th century B.C.) and a little further the one of Poseidon (4th century B.C.). Finally, you should definitely pay a visit to the recently renovated Archaeological Museum (tel. 25930 22180), the collection of which comprises of remarkable findings such as “Kriophoros Kouros” (male statue), Venus and the dolphin, Dionysus head, etc.
The Ancient Theater of Thassos is built inside a natural cavity of the hill and leaning against the wall; according to Hippocrates, it must have been built here as early as the 5th century B.C. During the summer, theatrical plays and artistic shows are performed at the ancient theatre. The ascending, especially organized path will lead the visitors to the ancient theater (5th century B.C.) offering a unique view of the sea, which was transformed into an arena during the Roman period. It is worth attending a performance here during the summer. Leaving the theater behind, the path will lead you to the remains of the acropolis and to the temple of Athena, matron-goddess of the town (6th - 5th centuries B.C.).
The settlement of Kastro (Castle) in Limenaria is famous for the church of Saint Athanasios who is also the patron saint of the village. On the day of the celebration of the saint, crowds of people flock to church while giving life to this old settlement. According to many the materials used for the construction of the church, which dates back in the early 19th century, are the ruins of an old castle.
According to many this is one of the most ancient churches on the island that stands in the center of Limenas and is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, Saint Nikolaos.The church of Saint Nikolaos is built, certainly not by accident, by the sea.
In Theologos village is worth visiting the church of Saint Paraskevi to admire the icon of Virgin Mary that according to many is attributed to Luke the Evangelist, a creation of wax and mastic. Also, at the same village is worth visiting the church of Saint Dimitrios, patron saint of the village, in order to see the wonderful handmade wooden temple of the church. This carved temple constitutes the multi-annual soul deposition from the monk Ignatius Filothei to portray scenes from the Old and New Testament.
In the village of Panagia is located the homonymous Panagia church. It is considered by many as the most imposing church of Thassos and of great interest to the pilgrim the fact that while the church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Theotokos) at the internal of the temple you will be able to admire an icon of Panagia the Pantovlepousas (Virgin Mary who sees everything). Also, it is worth noting that marbles of Thassos as well as marbles from ruins of ancient temples of Thassos have been used for the construction of the church. Another reason for visiting is its handmade temple, as well as the icons, dating from the 14th up to 17th century, bearing particular historical and religious value. Every year on the day of celebrating Panagia church, the temple “celebrates” with procession of the icon and festival of the believers accompanied with food and drink (kloumpani).
Until recently the visit to the Holy Monastery of Saint Panteleimon was characterized by difficult access, being located on the slope of the so called mountain Psariou (Ipsario) at around 730 meters altitude. However, the easy access from Prinos with the launch of the road network, will allow any pilgrim to visit the monastery with safety.
The church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary (Theotokos) in the village Rachoni is built in a very beautiful location where the natural environment is dominant. You should be there on the day of the Assumption (15th of August) and taste the traditional flavors offered by the locals along with the familiar “kloumpani”.
The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary is known as Panagouda to the locals and beyond. In order to visit it you should direct to the road that starts from Skala Maries towards the mountainous village of Maries. It is worth visiting the Monastery to see the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary and learn about the history that accompanies it and is closely connected with the construction of the Monastery at this particular location.
