Sifnos Archaeological Site of Agios Andreas

Location: Agios Andreas

The Archaeological Site of Agios Andreas in Sifnos Greece, Cyclades: Sifnos has a wonderful and rich history. Bearing testimony to this amazing past is the archaeological sites that one can see on this island. One such site and perhaps the most significant of them all is the archaeological site of Agios Andreas found at the top of a hill on the way to Vathy from Apollonia. The spot was first discovered by Christos Tsountas in 1899. The earliest excavations began in 1970 continuing till 1980 and were carried out by Varvana Philippaki.

The ancient town unearthed here was Mycenaean. The most important finding was the Acropolis or citadel that lies on the top of the hill and is called Saint Andrew Castle. The excavations also exposed a wall, strengthened with eight rectangular towers that surrounded the Acropolis. It was also found that another wall and a large tower were added later and two gateways were opened during the 8th century B.C. Besides this, at least five ruins of buildings have been found of which one is certainly from the Mycenaean Era.

The remaining were most likely from around the 8th century B.C. The town was naturally fortified by the steep hill that also allowed for an excellent view in case enemies were planning to attack and was further protected by the double fortification wall built around it.

The town was supposedly built in the 13th century B.C. and was inhabited for a hundred years before being abandoned in the 12th century B.C. It was once again occupied in the Geometric Era in the second half of the 8th century. The then inhabitants were responsible for the later developments of the town. It was eventually abandoned in the 4th century B.C. Vessels and pottery from the different eras of habitation have also been unearthed.

The site is one of the best examples of Mycenaean fortifications in the Cyclades. Though the climb to the top of the hill is steep and tiring and could take a while, the rewards are completely worth the effort. Not only is the view from up there breathtaking but since excavations on the site are ongoing you can actually witness history being unfolded right before your eyes.