St. Peter’s Tower

The Tower of Saint Peter in Andros

The Tower of St. Peter is an impressive attraction of Andros, located in the area of Gavrio, in a particularly privileged position and dates back to the Hellenistic Period between the 4th - 3rdcentury BC.

It is cylindrical with a height of 20 meters, a base diameter of 9.5 meters and is made entirely of local slate. Inside there is a helical staircase that led to at least five floors. Its surviving height and complex structure make it a unique monument of its kind and is one of the best preserved in the Cyclades.

The panoramic position in which it is located overlooking the sea, has given many theories about its role and use. One theory says that the tower functioned as a fryktoria, i.e. as a tower for the exchange of light signals with fire, because it is built in a special position with panoramic views of the sea and the ability to control ships. Another theory says that it was used as a fortress for the defense against pirates or other enemies and as a refuge for the inhabitants who were far from Paleiopolis during the Byzantine years and the Middle Ages.

Around the monument there are copper mining facilities, which operated until the beginning of the 20thcentury. The primary role of the tower seems to have been the defensive protection of the mine.