Prasiae

 

 

The bay of Prasiai (modern Porto Rafti) was the largest port in Attica, and the safest after the Peiraieus. On one of the islands in the bay is the remains of a colossal marble statue. To go to the statue, one must contact one of the local fishermen, who are often willing to sail the tourist for a fee. Local folklore identifies this figure with the Raftis (tailor) after which the harbor is now called; he would once or twice have handeled a pair of scissors. In reality, it is more likely that a woman has been depicted. At least some (very meager) wall remains of antique remains must be mentioned, belonging to a Hellenistic fort, probably belonging to the expedition force of the Egyptian-Greek admiral Patroklos, who also built fortresses elsewhere in his conflict with Antigonos Doson. Pausanias mentions that from Prasiai the gifts of the Hyperboreans for Apollo were shipped to Delos. He also says that one of the first emissaries to Delos, Erysichthon, the son of Kekrops, died on the way back from Delos and is buried in Prasiai.

 

Right, the Raftis,

Under, the island on which the Raftis is seen from a boat and the location of the town