From the Paraporti to the Palace — A Legacy of Katharsis
Chapter I
Our story begins in 1923, when our great-grandfather acquired this former Archbishop's residence — a monument dating to the 15th century. He and his wife raised nine children within these ancient walls, filling the stone corridors with life, warmth, and the sounds of a thriving family.
For four generations, we have maintained this monument using only our own resources and superhuman effort, preserving its hand-carved arches, exposed stonework, antique niches, and traditional cistern systems.
Chapter II
Through the ancient Paraporti — the historic gate of the Venetian Castle — our grandfather played a pivotal role in the liberation of Naxos during the WWII occupation. His courage echoes through these stones, a reminder that this place has always been a threshold between worlds: the old and the new, the occupied and the free.
The Paraporti stands as more than architecture. It is a symbol of passage, of transformation — the very essence of κάθαρσις.
Chapter III
Ioannis Xenakis embodied the ancient Greek ideal of Arete — excellence in all things. As both an athlete and a guardian of heritage, he understood that true greatness demands discipline, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to something larger than oneself.
His philosophy lives on in every restored stone, every preserved beam — a testament to the belief that beauty is earned through effort.
Chapter IV
Today, our mission is to translate these silent stones into genuine communication. If one observes the walls of the central hall, one will notice the enormous number of stones used in its construction — and understand how many people, how much effort and work it took to create all this.
We honour every person who worked, who sweated, and perhaps gave their life within these walls. Every original element found within these stones is preserved to share the magnitude of Greek culture with the world.
Chapter V
Our dream is to transform this place into a sanctuary of hospitality, culture, and acquaintance with the island of Naxos — its people, history, and the moral values of Greece. A hub for creating and sharing healthy thoughts, projects, and practices that lay the foundations for a better future for everyone.
A human-centric economy where the currency is connection, culture, and shared light. Empower our effort, absorb the energy together, and spread it freely.
«Τὸ δὲ κάλλος ἐστὶν ἡ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ ἔκφανσις.»
“Beauty is the manifestation of the Good.”
— Plato (427 – 347 BC)
«Οὐδὲν ἱκανὸν ᾧ τὸ ὀλίγον οὐχ ἱκανόν.»
“Nothing is enough for the man to whom enough is too little.”
— Epicurus (341 – 270 BC)
The Guardian of the Kouros
"I am Andreas Xenakis, son of Ioannis Xenakis. Nurtured by the Arete and dedication of my ancestors, I followed the path of History and Archaeology in Athens."
"It was there that I discovered the head of a Kouros statue from the 7th–6th century BC — a silent paradigm of eternal beauty."
"Empowered by these strong paradigms, I decided to risk and restore our family property on our ancestral land. Not merely as a project, but as a restoration of the soul."
The Invitation
Empower our effort, absorb the ancient energy of the Kastro, and let us together create a future where human relations and culture are the ultimate luxury.
Welcome to your Katharsis.
