AGHIA MARINA TOWER in KEA (TZIA)

The tower of Agia Marina (4th century B.C.) is considered as one of the tallest buildings of its era and is unique in Cyclades. It is 19.5 m tall and made from stone. It was one of the best preserved monuments of its kind, until it was damaged by an earthquake in the mid-19th century. More recently it suffered further devastation by a strong wind storm. Originally, it was a defensive building with a double wall and 5 floors, part of the extensive tower network of ancient Kea (Keos). Later it was used as a monastery from the early Christian ages until 1780. Now there is a small chapel bulit next to it dedicated to Saint Marina.

Fortunatelly some actions for the preservation of Aghia Marina have taken place by the Greek Association for Protection of the Environment and Culture, the Municipality of the island Kea and SKY TV. The general goal was to raise public consciousness about the need to preserve and develop the cultural resources on the island, particularly the tower of Agia Marina and its environs.

There is an ancient path linking Ioulis to Poiiessa (Pisses), which also leads to Aghia Marina tower. The path is signed as many other interesting paths of Kea.