Skeponi is a small settlement in the interior of the island of Naxos. It is deserted since the 1970s.

Amidst the ruins of the village dominates a square tower which was used apparently as a mansion house.

History

Neither the history nor the age of the tower are known.

The area was initially a fief of the Grimaldi family and later of the Coronelli family (of Spanish origin). Internet sources claim that it was built by Marco Coronello. The only known person with that name lived in the 19th century and was the son of Francesca Crispo, the last titular heiress of the Duchy of Naxos.

So it is possible that the tower was built in the 19th century, but is very different from the luxurious feudal mansions in the island, most of which are from the 17th century. However we cannot rule out that it is a much older construction even before the 17th century.

Sources