Hotels near Panagia Ekatontapyliani

Panagia Ekatontapyliani, better known as the Church of 100 Doors, is one of the oldest continuously functioning Christian churches in Greece. Tradition dates its foundation to 326 CE and links it to Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, with the surviving Byzantine complex substantially rebuilt in the 6th century under Justinian. Inside you will find carved marble screens, a rare surviving cruciform baptistery from the 4th century and an icon of the Virgin said to have miraculous powers - the reason for the huge August 15th pilgrimage described in Paros' municipal calendar.

In 2026 the church is open daily from 07:00 to 21:00 in high season (April to October) with slightly shorter winter hours, and entry is free. The small Byzantine Museum in the same courtyard is open 09:00 to 14:00 Tuesday to Sunday, with an admission fee of around EUR 2. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) and remember it is still an active parish - services take precedence over sightseeing.

Pro Tip: Arrive before 09:30 or after 18:00 to have the courtyard almost to yourself. Ferry-day tour groups pile in mid-morning, and the interior is significantly cooler and more atmospheric outside that window.