The bay of Nas is located in the northwestern part of the island, few kilometers away from Armenistis. There was the ancient harbor, which extended from the coast to the deep gorge of Halaris. Between these two extremes there is not communication today, since the extension to the ravine had been artificially blocked by tree trunks from the first years of piracy, by the residents of neighboring Laggada for defensive purposes. So,on the side of the beach a lake is formed, while the ravine displays rich vegetation and creates a picture of an exotic beauty!
Today, the ancient quay of the port is preserved and some iron headlands, where ships binded. Many items allow scholars to believe that Nas was also a main settlement of the island. It is believed that it got its name, from either the word 'Naos' (=temple) or from the word Ma, the name of the goddess Artemis in Asia Minor, whose worship came at Ikaria during the Minoan times. So, a temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis Tavropolos was built. The name Tavropolos or Tavrovolos shows the status of the goddess, as a fertilizing power of nature and decay, while the revered of the goddess is called Tavropolion. It seems that people worshiped a wooden statue (idol) of the goddess, which was believed to be heavenly sent and not human made. Tavropolion was one of the earliest shrines of Artemis in ancient times.
Today, only ruins of the temple survive and particularly its floor. Scattered everywhere, marble ruins are found of calcified remnants of the old limekiln, which burned down the whole temple to become building material, when it began to expand Christianity and inhabitants started to create temples of the new religion.
Information for visitors
- Access is not possible for people with reduced mobility.
- There are no toilets for the public at the archaeological site.
- There is no parking for private vehicles.
- There is no shop in the archaeological site.
- There are no organized visits.
Entrance
Free for all visitors.
Access
The archaeological site is outdoors, near the beach. Access to the site is by descending several steps from the main asphalt road, where one can leave his private vehicle.