Ekatontapiliani church is in Parikia, in the island of Paros.

This is without doubt its best known and most important attraction. According to tradition, the original structure of the church was the work of the Apostles Saints Constantine and Helen. During the reign of Justinian, the church was reconstructed by taking today's impressive form and leading many to give it the nickname "Aghia Sophia of the Aegean". In this contributed greatly the fact that the person responsible for its reconstruction was thought to be an apprentice of the architect of St. Sophia.

Its name means "the church with the hundred gates". Indeed, a saying has it that 99 iof them are open and the hundredth is sealed until the liberation of Aghia Sophia. The church is also called Katapoliani, a name resulting from its location being "kata tin poli", ie church next to the city. Both names are valid and the controversy about which is the oldest continues today.

Ekatontapiliani is not just a church, but an entire building complex including the main church of the Virgin with three chapels, the churches of St. Nicholas and St. Theodosia, the chapel of St. Nicholas, the Baptistery, cells and other spaces. Panagia Ekatontapiliani was probably founded on the ruins of an ancient building, as it is revealed by archaeological findings.

A lot could be written here about Panagia Ekatontapiliani, but no text is stronger than the experience of seeing it with your own two eyes.

In mid-August, Ekatontapiliani is the center of brilliant festivities that are definitely worth watching. Any time you find yourself in Paros, visiting Panagia Ekatontapiliani is a must!