About
The Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani stands in Parikia, the main town of Paros in the Cyclades. Also known as the Church of Our Lady of a Hundred Doors or the Katapoliani Church, it is one of the most important early Christian monuments in Greece, dating from the 4th century AD.
What to expect
The building is a Byzantine basilica, and it is regarded as one of the best preserved paleochristian churches in the Aegean. For visitors interested in the early history of Christian architecture, it offers a rare chance to see a structure from that period in such good condition. Its survival is a large part of what makes it worth a stop.
- Type: a church and monument of early Christian and Byzantine heritage
- Setting: Parikia, on the island of Paros
- Good for: history and architecture enthusiasts, and anyone spending time in the town
Around the church
Because it sits in Parikia, the church is easy to combine with the rest of the town. Walking through the streets gives a sense of the island's daily life, with its whitewashed houses and harbour. A visit here can be a quiet counterpoint to a day spent on the beaches or in the shops and cafés nearby.
Planning your visit
For practical details such as opening times and any entry arrangements, it is best to check ahead. You can call the church on +30 22840 21243. The address is Parikia, 844 00 Paros, Greece.