Panagia Ekatondapiliani, Parikia

Very beautiful old church 😍⛪ my friends had wedding there. Amazing place!

Nice Byzantine church. Quite large, and different from most I've seen on the Cyclades

Emaizing place where you can feel history.

As a church enthusiast with a lot of experience in Byzantine architecture, I didn't expect to ever be as utterly blown away by a church again as I was when I stepped through the gates of Panagia Ekatondapiliani. Translated as Most Holy of a Hundred Gates, Ekatondapiliani is by far the most gorgeous temple in all of the Cyclades. One can easily see the unique stone masonry from outside, while walking through the outside courtyard decorated by the ancient ruins and the Byzantine remnants. But stepping through the church's entrance is another thing entirely. Inside the temple, one will be quick to notice the lack of frescos and wall art. The walls are instead beautiful stone masonry, minimalistic and humble. There are many halls in this temple, many of which are ancient and others more recent. The temple was constructed on an ancient gymnasium, much of which remains there today, in the form of repurposed columns, walls and art. The blend of Classical and Byzantine Roman architecture is unique and mesmerizing. The church complex has the main church as well as a multitude of smaller shrines and a Byzantine baptistry. The main temple is a direct replica of Haghia Sophia of Constantinople, though that was not always the case. The first church was constructed by empress Eirini, dedicated to Panagia, the virgin Mary, to show her gratitude for a successful pilgrimage to the Holy Lands. Years later, after an earthquake destroyed the church, it was reconstructed in the form of Haghia Sophia. The local Neokoros was very helpful and accommodating, giving me a tour throughout the church. I was also able to get a view from the female-dedicated space of the temple. The church is located in a very central square of Parikia, and is open almost all day. It also has a souvenir shop and many events are held there. To everyone visiting Paros, and other church enthusiasts, I recommend visiting this place at least once.

Such a history.. really moving! Must see!