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Marathi Ancient Marble Quarries
The ancient underground quarries that produced the translucent Parian marble prized across the classical world.
Typical duration
45 min
Price
Free
From port
9 km / 5.6 mi
Transfer time
20 min
Indoor / Outdoor
outdoor
Queue risk
low
🕐 Best time to visit
Morning; bring a torch and sturdy shoes
At Marathi, a few kilometres inland from Parikia, are the ancient galleries where Paros mined the fine, translucent 'lychnites' marble used for the Venus de Milo, the Hermes of Praxiteles and much of classical sculpture. The tunnels and cuttings are unfenced and free but rough and dark, so bring a torch and sturdy shoes; it is an offbeat, atmospheric stop best reached by taxi or rental car.
Getting there from the port
A taxi or rental from Parikia toward Marathi (~9 km); not served well by bus.