Katharsis Retreat Naxos

About this hotel

Welcome to the Archbishop’s Mansion: A Journey Through Time, Family, and Legacy

Nestled in the heart of Naxos, the Archbishop’s Mansion—formerly the Xenakis Mansion—invites you to step into a living piece of history. A stunning 400+ square meter property, with 24 rooms and a storied past, this mansion has been a cherished family home for over four generations. Dating back to the 15th century, its architecture spans the 17th and 18th centuries, embodying the grandeur of a bygone era. Today, it stands as a testament to both the island’s rich ecclesiastical heritage and the dedication of our family to preserve its magnificence.

Purchased in 1923 by our Great-Grandfather, Ioannis Xenakis, a merchant by trade, the mansion was one of the first Catholic residences to be sold to an Orthodox family. This monumental change marked the beginning of the mansion’s transformation into a residence for the Archbishop of Paros and Naxos (Paronaxias). Over time, the property became a continuous extension of the adjacent Catholic church, further cementing its religious and historical significance.

After Ioannis Xenakis’s passing, the ownership was transferred to his wife, and later to our aunt, Patricia-Voula Vlachou-Xenakis. Though she moved to Canada at a young age, our aunt visited Naxos every year, pouring her heart and soul into maintaining the mansion. Through her determination and resourcefulness, she ensured the property remained in respectable condition, preserving its legacy. After her passing, the mansion was inherited by my father, Ioannis Xenakis, and together with my son, Andreas Xenakis, we have embarked on a mission to restore the mansion to its former glory.

This restoration is not just about bricks and mortar; it is a tribute to the legacy of our ancestors and the vibrant history of Naxos. Our family’s vision is to breathe new life into this historic gem, ensuring that its beauty, glamour, and magnificence once again shine. With your support and passion, we will restore the mansion to reflect the elegance of its past, sharing its history, the island’s culture, and the very essence of human achievement and artistry.

The mansion itself is a true architectural marvel. Its grand marble staircase, adorned with inscriptions from the past, leads you through rooms steeped in history, where the echoes of former residents linger. The main hall, once a space for grand receptions, now welcomes you to experience the same majestic atmosphere that once hosted visiting clerics, diplomats, and dignitaries. Each room tells a story, from the ground-floor rooms that reveal glimpses of the daily life of centuries past, to the upper-level chambers that hold the whispered secrets of the Archbishops who once called this place home.

The property is not just a home; it is a part of Naxos’s larger historical tapestry, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich religious and cultural past. The restoration of the mansion is an endeavor to preserve not just a building, but the stories, traditions, and human expressions that have shaped the island’s identity for generations.

As you step into this magnificent space, you are not just visitors—you are part of its ongoing legacy. We invite you to experience the beauty of this unique mansion, to immerse yourself in the history that echoes within its walls, and to be a part of the journey of bringing this extraordinary property back to life.

Join us as we reconstruct the remains of the past and shape a promising future under the shadow of this mansion’s rich legacy. Welcome to the Archbishop’s Mansion—where history, family, and culture come together to create an unforgettable experience.