Front entrance of Panagia Ekatontapyliani church at the island of Paros in Cyclades, Greece.

Shutterstock / Stamatios Manousis

Panagia Ekatontapyliani

Top choice in Paros


The Panagia Ekatontapyliani, which dates from AD 326, is one of the finest churches in the Cyclades. The building is three distinct churches: Agios Nikolaos, the largest, with superb columns of Parian marble and a carved iconostasis in the east of the compound; the ornate Church of Our Lady; and the ancient Baptistery. The name translates as Our Lady of the Hundred Doors. The Byzantine Museum, within the compound, has a collection of icons and other artefacts.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Paros attractions

1. Byzantine Museum

The Byzantine Museum, within the Panagia Ekatontapyliani compound, has a collection of icons and other artefacts.

2. Archaeological Museum

0.1 MILES

Fronted by four intricately carved stone sarcophagi, this museum harbours some important pieces, including a 5th-century BC Nike on the point of alighting…

3. Ancient Cemetery

0.14 MILES

North along the waterfront is a fenced ancient cemetery dating from the end of the 8th century BC. It was in use until the 3rd century AD. Excavations in…

4. Windmill Roundabout

0.16 MILES

This beautifully intact Cycladic windmill sits right outside the main ferry terminal and is a central point in Parikia.

5. Frankish Kastro

0.24 MILES

Check out the outer walls of this fortress, built by the Venetian Duke Marco Sanudo of Naxos in AD 1260. Built with the stones from ancient buildings that…

7. Antiparos Town

5.05 MILES

The long pedestrianised main street of this enchanting village is lined with services and a whole lot of stylish boutiques, bars and restaurants. Follow…

8. Anti Art Gallery

5.06 MILES

The 'anti' Art Gallery by the kastro entrance has an excellent run of scheduled exhibitions, including cutting-edge photography. The brainchild of curator…