Church of the Virgin Mary Ekatontapyliani - Εκατονταπυλιανής

The Ekklisia Katapoliani is a beautiful church is Paros town. It consists of multiple buildings, the new church and the old church. You can visit the old church by buying a ticket for the Byzantine museum. The old church was built in the 4th century A.D. by the mother of Emporer Constantine the great. You can still see fragments of the mosaic floor and wall paintings inside. The new church is beautiful decorated and quite large for such a small town, it is definitely worth a visit when you’re on Paros.

If you are on the island, you must see this. Classic Greek temple elements included in Byzantine Church. Very scenic inside.

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.

Probably the most amazing Byzantine temple in the whole of ?? I would put it on the same level that Chora or even Hagia Sophia. Amazing!!!

Probably the most interesting place in Parikia, Paros. The las byzantine vestiges in the island perfectly preserved. The inside of the building is amazing as well.

Wow! From the outside looking in, we did not expect to see what we saw. This place was just stunning inside and they have maintained it phenomenally over the years. We went there around noon, got to hear the bells and enjoy a wonderful slow walk around the place and saw the pieces of history it had on display in its courtyard and then walked around inside. Must go.

This Greek Orthodox Church is NOT just a Church, but a complex.Very beautiful and a lot to see! This church is also known as 'The Church of 100 Doors', and it does have a lot of doors- but definitely not 100 :). Constructed in the 4th Century, it is widely reported to be the best preserved churches in Greece. I asked a church employee about the meaning of the name 'The Church of 100 Doors', and she said that most of the rumors allude to a tragedy that happened when the church was built. This only makes the church MORE mysterious and interesting. An absolute ? must do while in Paros. One Tip: The Church insists on 'Modest' attire to visit. During our tiue, they asked two visitors to wrap a scarf around their waist because they were wearing shorts ( See attached photo of scarfs provided by church)

This church with its chapels is one of the major attractions on the island of Paros. The church dates back to the 4th Century, and its name suggests that it has 99 door while the hundredth is hidden till Constantinople becomes Greek Orthodox again. The church featured one of the earliest and most preserved baptistery in Christendom. Right next to the church, located the Byzantine Museum (2euros. Prices summer 2022) Not a huge museum but for those who are interested it shows some religious artifacts from ancient Christian world. From a small souvenirs shop you can buy some religious replicas for reasonable prices.