Strofilas, Plaka, Mikrogiali, Vryokastro, Zagora, Ypsili, Palaiopolis, Pyrgos Agiou Petrou: these are just the main archaeological sites of the island, dating from the Final Neolithic to the early Byzantine years. Many more sites have yielded antiquities, not counting the monuments of the Byzantine years (which a separate entry will deal with). These sites are located along the southwestern coast of Andros, other than Mikrogiali, which is located at the northeastern tip of the island. Not all the sites were inhabited at the same time, but it seems, as has been observed in the research, that after one was abandoned, another flourished, although at times they might coexist.
Among the older sites is the impressively large – for the Neolithic period – settlement of Strofilas, with finds that reveal a developed society with a need to take thought for its defence and with developed cult practices. A settlement from the Final Neolithic period has also been identified on the hill of Vryokastro. Plaka is the only site on Andros that dates back to the Bronze Age and its life was marked by successive disasters. Rock paintings like those at Strofilas have been identified at both of these latter sites.
The settlement of Zagora, the southernmost of those mentioned, flourished in the Geometric period, from 850 to 700 BC. A fortified city, with a strong wall, a sanctuary and residential areas, it has proven to be very important for the study of the Geometric period and maritime contacts. Its abundant finds are exhibited in the Museum of Chora of Andros.
Further north, in the area of Aprovato, is the organized archaeological site of Ypsili, dating from the Geometric period to the beginning of the Classical period. It has a strong wall with later repairs and reinforcements, a dense urban fabric and a sanctuary that was probably dedicated to Demeter and was in operation until almost the middle of the 5th century BC. Research in the town provides very important results for the Geometric and Archaic periods in the Cyclades.
The city of Andros, as we know it from historical sources, is located in Palaiopolis. It extends from the hill of Agios Dimitrios, where the acropolis is located, to the port, now submerged in the sea. Outside the strong, still standing walls, the eastern and western necropoleis of the city have been identified with their impressive funerary monuments. Within the same walls, residential remains, temples, baths and retaining barriers have been identified. In the Agora of the city, which is formed on two terraces, there existed a portico, streets and a building with a propylon (built on older structures), as well as a fountain that was incorporated into the luxurious basilica that was built in the 5th century AD. A large number of inscriptions and important sculptures come from Palaiopolis, many of which are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Chora. Others such, equally important, as well as vases, tools, jewellery and various objects can be admired in the Archaeological Museum of Palaiopolis, which has been operating since 2003.
An impressive monument of Andros is the tower of Agios Petros, which stands to a height of approximately 20 m, west of the village of the same name. It is one of the best preserved ancient towers in Greece, with impressive architectural elements, and was built in the Hellenistic period. It seems to have been a fortified residence that protected working activities in the surrounding area.
This brief citation of the archaeological sites of Andros in no way exhausts the archaeological wealth of the island.
