Ancient towers in Sifnos

If you love archaeology, hiking, and exploration, the towers offer a perfect opportunity to see a piece of history come to life before your eyes.

Why were the towers built?

The towers were built as part of a communication and defense network connected to the ancient acropolises of the island, Agios Andreas and Agios Nikitas. Initially, they were likely used to transmit signals through fire and smoke, as mentioned by Thucydides. They functioned as beacons, sending light signals to warn of invasions or other important news. Over time, they evolved and were used as watchtowers, small fortresses, and storage areas.

The major attack by the Samians in 524 BC, when exiles from Samos sought financial assistance from the Sifnians and, upon being refused, besieged them and forced them to pay 100 talents, was one of the events that likely led to the strengthening of the tower network.

Later, the towers also served as shelters for women and children during pirate raids and as storage facilities for agricultural equipment. The more resilient towers were used to repel invaders.

The towers today: Where can you see them?

If you find yourself in Sifnos and want to see these unique archaeological remains up close, here are some standout towers you can visit or observe from afar:

• Aspros Pyrgos, near Platis Gialos, is the best-preserved, though unfortunately not accessible.
• The Black Tower in Exampela, which still stands in relatively good condition and impresses with its size and color.
• The Tower of Katavati, built around 400 BC, located at "Kade" along the route to Vathi, right by the road, making it one of the most easily accessible.

Additionally, if you're walking along one of the beautiful trails of Sifnos, you may come across stone markers indicating where a tower once stood. In 2012, as part of the revival of the beacon network, stone plaques with each tower’s name and date were placed at their locations.

The revival of the tower network: a unique event

Once a year, Sifnos brings the ancient communication network of the towers back to life with an impressive reenactment.

Since 2003, the Municipal Public Benefit Enterprise of Sifnos (DI.K.E.S.) with the support of other island associations has organized an event where volunteers from all over the island "light up" the ancient towers, reenacting how the fire signal communication system operated.

Volunteers spread across Sifnos, hiking through challenging trails, and once the signal is given, they light flares at as many towers as possible. The result is a spectacle reminiscent of the ancient method of transmitting messages via smoke.

The first reenactment in 2003 included 28 locations, which gradually increased to 50 in 2007 and 85 in 2012! Since 2006, the event has taken place every Pentecost Sunday and is broadcast on radio, television, and online.
In recent years, the tower communication network has expanded to neighboring islands, creating a unique communication chain across the Aegean as nearby islands also participate by organizing similar events. This entire experience is not just a historical reenactment but also a way for locals and visitors to unite in a chain of volunteerism, culture, and camaraderie. (Source: DI.K.E.S.)

If you visit Sifnos on Pentecost Sunday, you can watch or even participate in the beacon reenactment. It’s an unforgettable experience that will give you a completely different perspective on the island.

Today, we have mobile phones and the internet, but thousands of years ago, the people of Sifnos had their own communication system—using fire, smoke, and teamwork. And that is something worth remembering and celebrating!