| islanders could be warned in time in case of a sea borne invasion especially by pirates. These towers were tall, round and strategically placed across various locations on the island.
If there was an attack a large fire would be lit on the nearest tower’s roof. This would then be seen by the closest tower where the next fire would be lit. The next tower would follow and thus a chain reaction of sorts would be set up to protect the islanders.
While most of them were used as watch towers, some were also used as protective buildings for the women and children and were filled with agricultural equipments, storehouses and reservoirs. About fifty seven of these ancient towers are located all over the island.
All of them were built between the 6th and 3rd Century B.C as is proven by their size and method of building as well as the debris of pots found in the area surrounding the towers. The towers had two floors with internal walls that separated them. Sadly, almost of them are in a state of ruin.
The most famous tower of Milos is on the north east of the island. This tower called the “Aspros Pyrgos” or “White Tower” dates back to the Roman era and is one of the few that is still in good condition and so must be visited.
Another tower that you can visit while in Sifnos is the Tower of Katavati built in 400 B.C situated in Kade on the way to Vathi. Sifnos is full of these unique towers that though only ruins now still bear testimony to the time when Sifnos was just as unique and wealthy with its treasure of gold and silver and shone in all its glory.
Photograph from www.e-sifnos.com
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