This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Grant to the 21st Ephorate of Prehistoric & Classical Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture for the work on the island of Despotiko, in aid of completing the restoration of the temple under Mr Yannos Kouragios.
The Paul & Alexandra Canellopoulos Foundation supports the excavation project at the Mandra locality of Despotiko, where one of the most important archaic (6th c. BC) sanctuaries of the Cyclades, dedicated to Apollo, has been uncovered. This small yet historically and culturally important island lies very close to Antiparos but has no regular shipping connections, and the task of transporting the excavation staff to and from Despotiko is both difficult and costly. The Foundation’s grant covers the transportation costs for the staff and the Greek and foreign students who participate in the excavation.
The site’s excavation was started in the 19th century by Christos Tsountas. Since 1997 the project is carried out by the archaeologist Yannos Kouragios and supervised by the 21st Ephorate of Prehistoric & Classical Antiquities of the Ministry of Culture.