Perspectives and Actions of FoP for the development of the Archaeological Heritage of Paros & Antiparos

The Friends of Paros have already announced that this year their attention will be focused on supporting, helping and promoting the rich archaeological heritage of Paros and Antiparos. A detailed description of the archaeological sites of Paros and Antiparos can be found in issue 12 of our journal.

The Friends of Paros propose to concentrate on two monuments that require support for their enhancement, or to advance excavation and restoration works. The aim of the Friends of Paros is, in cooperation with the local authorities, the
cultural associations of the island and the Greek Cultural Center in Paris, to mobilize the local community, foreign residents and visitors of Paros and Antiparos to contribute generously, so that the necessary work for the development of these two archaeological sites would be carried out. We believe that the development of archaeological sites will contribute to the qualitative improvement of the tourist product of the two islands.

The above sites are:

1. A. THE ANCIENT CEMETERY, on the promenade of the port of Parikia.
   The development and maintenance of the ancient cemetery should be considered as a high priority because, from a historical and archaeological point of view, it is one of the best preserved ancient cemeteries in the Cyclades.
   The cemetery is on the busiest street in the harbor, but a few meters below the current street level, which is a problem. It would be possible to carry out restoration work, water drainage and the development of the former cemetery area, as indicated by the study approved by the Cycladic Antiquities Commission. According to this study, the few marble sarcophagi would be raised at the level of the current street, thus protecting them from underground water. Their elevation will also help to be better admired by the thousands of tourists who pass through this point. On the other hand, beside the site there is an exhibition hall that would need embellishment with new lighting and contemporary photographs.
2. The second important project is the Temple of Apollo at DESPOTIKO where excavation and restoration works are progressing very satisfactorily.
   We know that on the site of the temple the excavations made it possible to discover ancient parts of the six columns of the entrance to the temple. For the missing parts of the columns, it is planned to sculpt them in marble in order to partially restore the initial entrance of the temple. For these two sites, the budget for their development is estimated at 50,000-75,000 euros. The intention of the Friends of Paros is to mobilize the largest number of individuals (Greeks and foreigners) to contribute to the resources needed to carry out these two projects. In addition, the Friends of Paros invite independent donors to participate in this noble endeavour, in accordance with conditions to be determined jointly.
   The Friends of Paros Archaeological Committee will manage a new bank account dedicated specifically to these objectives in order to guarantee management transparency and continuous information to the donors on the use of the funds collected.
   We hope that the inhabitants of Paros and Antiparos, but also our Greek and foreign friends, will respond generously to our call.

The Archaeological Committee of the Friends of Paros
Georges Papanicolaou & George Papageorgiou