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 Location |
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Antiparos is located among the Cyclades islands, and is a 15 minute ferry ride from its larger neighbor, Paros.
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 Population |
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Antiparos has a population of 540 and covers an area of 55 square kilometers. The only settlement on the island is at Antiparos Town or Kastro, which has a former fortress located in its center.
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 History |
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Little is known about the history of Antiparos, but it is probably closely related with that of Paros, as they were connected until an earthquake in 550BC severed them. They are now divided by a narrow channel. The island’s ancient name was Oliaros. It was called Antiparos around the 13th century. According to mythology, Antiparos was one of the 50 sons of Aegyptus who was murdered with his 48 brothers by his wife Critomethea, one of the 50 Danaides.
There is evidence of Neolithic settlements dating back to 5th millenium BC, and in the second millennium BC it was most likely inhabited by the Minoans and Cretans. In the 13th Century, Antiparos, along with its neighbors, fell under Venetian rule, and in 1537 it was conquered by the Turks. In 1770 Antiparos fell into the hands of Russians. Four years later though, it was once again conquered by the Turks. In 1821 it participated in the Revolution and it was finally liberated in 1830 and united with Greece.
During World War II, the island was occupied by Italian soldiers.
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 Religion |
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This topic is not island-specific. It applies to the nation of Greece.
Orthodox Christianity is the recognized dominant religion of Greece and it is legally protected by the state. This has caused legal discrimination against non-Orthodox Churches, and although the constitution of 1975 removed the power of most of the old laws against Protestants, problems still exist today. There is a lot of fear towards anything outside of the Orthodox Church, especially on the islands. However, repeated rulings of the European Court of Justice in favour of religious minorities in cases of discrimination have led to a relative increase of the freedoms that these religious minorities now enjoy.
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 Prayer |
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Please pray
* For the Spirit of God to bring revival.
* For more Christian workers
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 Miscellaneous |
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Places of interest one should visit include:
• Antiparos Cave – this is a famous cave that has been visited by many famous people. Among the remaining legible names inscribed on the wall are that of King Otto and Queen Amalia, who visited the cave in 1840.
• A small medieval kastro, built in 1440 in the heart of Antiparos Town
• Excellent sand beaches
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 Celebrations |
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In the 16-17 July, Ag. Marina is celebrated in the island and a festival takes place in honor of her.
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 Resources |
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www.greektravel.com
www.in2greece.com
www.cycladestravel.com
http://www.aegeanstyle.com/antiparos/
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