Aliki

Aliki emerges from the depths of history.
Legend has it that, in ancient times, this peninsula was ruled by Queen Aliki.

Behind the houses lining the coast, we can still see the remains of an ancient settlement, while in the eastern gulf* the Jericho gulf, we find the ancient sanctum with its two buildings, constructed in mid-7th century B.C. A "Kouros" (young man) statue found on this site in 1886 is currently on display at the Museum of Constantinople.

Temple of Dioskouroi

Temple of Dioskouroi

Temple of Dioskouroi

Temple of Dioskouroi

Temple of Dioskouroi

In the Byzantine era, the Christians moved their religious rituals to a hill, formerly occupied by a necropolis, and built two churches (basilicas) there in the 5th century A.D.

Above and below, you can see the ruins of a Prechristianic church in Aliki

The historical prosperity of Aliki coincides with the simultaneous mining of the marbles, which lasted from the 6th century B.C. to the 7th century A.D. Unquestionable witness of this area having been really bustling with life is the so-called "Marmarostrata" (= road made of marble), which led to Limenas; sections of it are still saved to this day in the areas of Petradi and Dermata. Also, the sunken quarry at the edge of the peninsula, with its half-finished quarry works, attests to the fact that there used to be a huge work site here, which was suddenly abandoned due to an unexpected event, probably the major earthquake in 365 A.D., or the one in 1509 A.D.

The modern visitors to Aliki, whether they stand staring at her deep blue waters or dive into them, will sense amid the sunny atmosphere the ancient majestic feeling given off by Aliki, so imposing that it will make them expect to see the mythical Queen emerging, amidst the sounds made by the ancient marble workers' chisels, to welcome them as her most cherished guests.