5Panagia Ekatontapiliani
One of the most significant religious monuments in Greece is located in the heart of Parikia: the remarkable Panagia Ekatontapiliani.
Often referred to as the “Church of One Hundred Doors,” this extraordinary Byzantine complex dates back to the 4th century AD. According to tradition, the church was originally founded by Saint Helena, the mother of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, during her pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
The church complex includes several chapels, courtyards, and a baptistery that is considered one of the oldest in the Christian world. Its impressive marble columns and intricate stonework reflect the architectural sophistication of early Byzantine builders.
Visitors often find the atmosphere here especially peaceful. Sunlight filters through small windows, illuminating centuries-old icons and stone walls. Beyond its historical significance, the church remains an active place of worship and an important spiritual center for the island’s residents.
