Cistern of the Holy Apostles Claimed

The Cistern of the Holy Apostles in Gaios is one of the most remarkable historical landmarks on Paxos Island. Built between 1825 and 1846, this grand structure is a testament to the British influence on the island’s infrastructure during their rule, and it remains a symbol of Paxos’ water management history.

Architectural Grandeur and Structure

This cistern, the second largest on the island, has a storage capacity of 600 cubic meters. Its imposing size is matched by its intricate design, featuring an elaborate staircase system. Visitors can descend via two staircases: the first has 20 steps, leading to a landing, followed by a second staircase with 15 steps. From there, another landing offers access to two additional staircases, each with 9 steps, that lead to a rectangular paved area where the main water access points are located.

The area features two large round spouts where the collected water is accessed. Surrounding this central section are four columns topped with pyramid-shaped capitals, designed by local stonemason Theodoros Vlachopoulos in 1848. This gives the cistern a stately appearance, almost more akin to a palatial structure than a functional water reservoir.

Water Collection and Functionality

The cistern collects rainwater from its paved surface and the surrounding area, with an ingenious sedimentation tank designed to filter out debris before water reaches the main reservoir. This feature was critical at a time when managing clean water was essential for the survival of the local population. Interestingly, the cistern also received overflow water from the nearby Mantropoulos Cistern.

At one point, the Cistern of the Holy Apostles served as one of the primary water sources for Gaios, the main town on Paxos. However, with the advent of modern water systems, the cistern is no longer in regular use, though it remains a protected monument under the Ministry of Culture since 1982.

Historical Significance and Restoration

The cistern is not just a feat of engineering but a significant part of Paxos’ cultural heritage. Construction was completed in 1846, and the surrounding area was developed shortly afterward, with road access and other facilities added by 1851. Minor repairs and updates were made in 1931 and again in 1999 to preserve the structure. In 2006, the Municipality of Paxos, through the Leader Plus program, undertook a major restoration project to maintain the cistern as an important historical site.

Visitor Experience

Today, visitors to the Cistern of the Holy Apostles can explore this elegant and monumental structure and appreciate its architectural beauty and historical importance. While no longer in use as the primary water supply, it stands as a reminder of the island’s innovative water management system and the skill of the local craftsmen and engineers who built it.

For those interested in Paxos’ history, the cistern is a must-see site that tells the story of how the island’s residents managed their precious water resources in a time before modern conveniences. It also offers a glimpse into the lasting British influence on the island’s infrastructure during their rule.

In conclusion, the Cistern of the Holy Apostles is a monument that combines historical importance, architectural elegance, and practical function, making it a fascinating stop for anyone visiting Paxos Island. Its grandeur and design are sure to impress, while its role in the island’s past serves as a window into life on Paxos in the 19th century.

Source:

https://www.paxosculture.gr/en-us/POINTS-OF-INTEREST/Cistern-of-the-Holy-Apostles-in-Gaios

http://uest.ntua.gr/swws/proceedings/pdf/SWWS2016_GAntoniou_PaxoiCisterns_FinalreducFig.pdf