The imposing and fortified hill of Xoburgos, in the center of the island, between the picturesque villages of Tripotamos and Xynaras, bears traces of use and habitation from the Prehistoric, Geometric, Archaic and Classical periods, with the most important parts of the wall and other public buildings. It is the center of the island during Prehistoric and Early Historic times. The continuous habitation from the Mycenaean era to the period of the Dark Ages sheds light on the otherwise incomplete knowledge of this period.
The first traces of habitation date back to the Bronze Age, when the Cyclopean wall of Xoburgos was built. Dwelling on the rock continued during the Geometric Age and the Dark Ages. The Sanctuary of the Great Goddess and Daughter is placed in the archaic years. The security and peace that prevailed in the Aegean during the classical years gave the island's inhabitants the opportunity to leave Xoburgos, establishing a city on the coast.
However, due to the natural fortification provided by the hill, the area was used again during the Venetian period as the capital of the island. The Castle (Burgo) was built, parts of which can still be seen today, while the rest of the city (Exoburgo = suburb) developed outside the wall.
It was the pirate raids and constant attacks that forced the Tinians to regroup around the granite rock, initially establishing a capital in the area of the present-day village of Xynara. In 1207 Tinos was occupied by the brothers Andreas and Ieremias Gizi. One of their first moves was to fortify the rock and build a fortress. The "Castle of Agia Eleni", as it was called, took its name from the homonymous church that existed on top of it. Until the last descendant of the Gizis, in 1390, the castle of Tinos was famous for its fortification and the security it provided to the people. The Gizas were succeeded by the Venetians.
In 1537 Hayreddin Barbarossa occupied Tinos on behalf of the Sultan, which, however, rebelled again asking for the Venetians. Thus, Galinotati regained the island, which was also her only possession in the Cyclades. The fortress was rebuilt stronger than ever and according to modern construction in the middle of the 16th century AD.
The castle of Tinos withstood many raids: Saracens, Turks, Westerners, etc. In 1715-42 the last raid took place, which was also disastrous. With a special treaty between the governors of the island and the Turks, the island fell to the latter, who made sure to completely destroy the Castle.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou