Hotels near Paraportiani Church

Paraportiani is the famous five-in-one whitewashed church in the Kastro neighbourhood at the entrance to Chora. Construction began in 1425 and continued for nearly 250 years, joining four chapels at ground level (Agios Anargyros, Agia Anastasia, Agios Sozon and Agios Efstathios) topped by a fifth domed chapel of Panagia. The result is an asymmetric, almost Cubist sculpture in lime - it inspired Le Corbusier and now appears on Greek postage stamps. The interior is open intermittently for weddings and short services; outside is free and most photographed at golden hour when the western wall takes on a creamy gold tone.

Pro Tip: The classic shot is from 30 m down the lane on the seafront side - get there before 19:00 to beat the queue of photographers in summer.