The Cisterns of Paxos

Yiannis Mastoars

9/19/20245 min read

Discover the Hidden Water Wonders of Paxos: A Journey Through Its Historic Cisterns

Paxos isn’t just about its picturesque beaches and quaint villages; it’s also home to a network of historical cisterns, or sterna, that reveal the island’s rich past. These ancient water reservoirs, built for collecting and storing rainwater, showcase the island’s ingenuity and adaptation over the centuries. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant cisterns on Paxos and delve into their fascinating histories.

Cistern of Tzilios (Before Loggos)

The Cistern of Tzilios is a true marvel of Paxos’s historical engineering. Constructed in 1837 during the British occupation, this cistern is the largest on the island, boasting a capacity of 2000 cubic meters (60,000 cubic feet). Its impressive design features two pyramidal-shaped crenellations and two large spouts, and its interior is ingeniously divided into two sections to facilitate water collection. The cistern is still operational today, supplying water to various households and even feeding my grandma’s garden! It’s a testament to the enduring utility of these historic structures.

Fountana Cistern

The Fountana Cistern shares architectural similarities with the Malethona cistern but is notable for its impressive capacity of over 25,000 cubic meters. Its excellent design and functionality highlight the advanced water management practices of its time, making it a significant example of Paxos’s historic infrastructure.

Kampos Cistern

Built between 1859 and 1862, the Kampos–Valsami Cistern was a community effort that involved local families contributing materials and funds. The cistern features an inscription commemorating its construction and stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Paxos community. The foundation stone was laid on June 22, 1859, marking the beginning of a vital infrastructure project that addressed the water needs of the Mastoratika-Argyratika area.

Ellinikia Cistern

Perched above the stunning cliffs of Mousmouli and Bougazi, the Ellinikia Cistern is an impressive circular structure with a depth of over 6 meters. Renovated in 1837, this cistern was built on a natural hollow in the rock, showcasing an integration of natural features with practical design. Its scenic location and historical value make it a fascinating site for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Laxeftes Cisterns (Magazia)

The Koutrouli, Bouloukou, and Boikatika/Sarakinou Cisterns in Magazia are fascinating examples of rock-carved cisterns covered with domes. These structures highlight the ingenuity of ancient water storage solutions, perfectly adapted to the island’s unique topography. Their construction demonstrates how the islanders adapted to their environment to meet their water needs.

Vlachopoulatika Cisterns

The Vlachopoulatika Cisterns complex includes 15 private cisterns carved into the rock above the Church of Eleousa. Two of these cisterns are housed in stone buildings with vaulted roofs, reflecting the island’s historical approach to water storage. Although they are no longer in use, these cisterns were once crucial for storing oil and other essential resources, highlighting the versatility of Paxos’s water management systems.

Cistern of Malethona (Tranakatika)

The Cistern of Malethona, located 1.5 km from Gaios, is a practical yet elegant example of water management. Constructed by contractor Panagiotis Andronis, this square-shaped cistern has a capacity of approximately 28,000 cubic meters. It collects water from a nearby spring and surface runoff, showcasing a straightforward yet effective design. The cistern’s location and construction reflect the importance of reliable water sources in rural Paxos.

Mantropoulos Cistern

Nestled just outside the village of Gaios, the Mantropoulos Cistern is a beautiful example of classical cistern architecture. With a diameter of 15 meters, this round cistern was constructed in 1832 and features a wellhead with a carved marble wreath. It’s supplied by an underground spring and channels water through an overflow system to the cistern of Agii Apostoli. The cistern’s elaborate design includes two square columns and a vaulted entrance, showcasing the British commitment to high-quality infrastructure. It’s not just a piece of history but a symbol of the island’s craftsmanship.

Photo Credit: Paxos Archives Repository

Cistern of Holy Apostles (Gaios)

The Cistern of the Holy Apostles stands as the second-largest on Paxos, with a capacity of 600 cubic meters (20,000 gallons). Construction began around 1825 and was completed in 1846. This monumental structure features two staircases leading to a rectangular paved area with large round mouthpieces. The cistern is adorned with four columns topped with pyramid-shaped capitals. Although it no longer serves as the primary water source for Gaios, its historical significance and architectural grandeur make it a must-see.

Photo Credit: Paxos Archives Repository

Cistern of Agioi Anargiroi (Gaios)

Situated above the Church of Agioi Anargyroi, the Cistern of Agioi Anargyroi was constructed between 1809 and 1821, spanning both French and British occupations. With a capacity of 350 cubic meters (16,000 cisterns), this cylindrical cistern features a circular orifice and a sophisticated paving design. The cistern played a crucial role in supplying water to Gaios and underwent a significant repair in 1861. Its craftsmanship and historical context reflect the era’s architectural and engineering advancements.

Photo Credit: Paxos Archives Repository

Materi Cisterns (Ozias)

The Matteri Cistern in Ozias is the last public cistern constructed during the British period. Featuring a square mouth and a paved tank, it remains operational with excellent water quality, even during summer. The project was supervised by Spyridon Lekkas, marking a significant point in the island’s water management history. Its functional design and enduring utility make it a noteworthy part of Paxos’s cistern heritage.

Photo Credit: Paxos Archives Repository

Cisterns of Agios Nikolaos

On the islet of Agios Nikolaos, the fortress is home to two fascinating cisterns that reveal the island's historical evolution. The Venetian cistern, located near the fortress entrance, reflects the intricate water management systems of the past. It’s a reminder of the strategic importance of water during the Venetian occupation.

In contrast, the British cistern showcases early 19th-century engineering prowess with its advanced design and old water pump. This cistern represents the modernization efforts during the British period, highlighting improvements in infrastructure and water management.

Together, these cisterns offer a glimpse into Paxos’s rich history, showcasing how water management evolved to meet the needs of different eras. They stand as enduring symbols of the fortress’s role in supporting its garrison and maintaining the island’s strategic importance.

Photo Credit: Paxos Archives Repository

Exploring these cisterns offers a unique glimpse into Paxos’s history, showcasing the island’s ingenuity and commitment to effective water management. Each cistern tells a story of adaptation and resilience, making them a must-visit for anyone interested in Paxos’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Stay tuned for our interactive map, where you can click on each cistern to learn more about its fascinating history!

Sources: Paxos Archive Repository, and Communal Rainwater Cisterns of the British rule on Paxos, Greece