Sanctuary of Apollo at Mandra, Despotiko, and on the islet of Tsimintiri

Since 2001, following more than two decades of research at the site of Mandra on the island of Despotiko and on the nearby islet of Tsimintiri, the results of the excavations conducted by the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades under the direction of archaeologist Yiannos Kourayos have radically transformed our understanding of the settlement and cult landscape of the Geometric and Archaic Cyclades. Systematic excavation has brought to light not only a particularly rich Sanctuary of Apollo, but also an extensive installation with a lifespan of many centuries, including 28 buildings, a system for water collection and management, and large quantities of movable finds.

During 2023 and 2024, the topography of the installation was significantly reshaped. On Despotiko, work focused on the buildings located outside the Archaic temenos and on the system of reservoirs. Two new buildings, MN and Omega, were identified. In the latter, the excavation yielded remarkable finds, including fragments of at least three kouroi, part of a male statue in the Severe Style, a marble statuette of a seated figure, and two marble bases.
On the slopes of the hills south of the temenos, the investigation of the extensive water collection and management system was completed. This system consists of four cisterns and a built conduit. It is a unique discovery in the Cyclades, which will soon be restored and presented.

On the small islet of Tsimintiri, located just a few metres from Despotiko and connected to it in antiquity by a narrow strip of land, an isthmus, the continuation of the excavations brought to light two large building complexes, AT and BT, as well as two circular structures. These are most likely harbour installations, whose main period of use dates to the late 6th and 5th centuries BC.
In addition to the excavations, the programme for the restoration and enhancement of the sanctuary buildings at Despotiko continued at an intensive pace, with the reconstruction of the Archaic Building D, the second most important structure of the sanctuary.

DONATION OF THE NON-PROFIT CIVIL COMPANY AEGEAS

• Excavation research, conservation and restoration works.