The lovely church of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani is among the most photographed churches not only in Mykonos but in the whole world. It is located at the entrance of Kastro neighborhood, right by the sea. Its name (Paraportiani) actually means standing next to the entrance door, meaning that the church was next to the Castle door.
The special thing about this church is that it actually consists of five small churches that were built one on top or next to the other. The church of Agios Efstathios is the center of this complex, surrounded by the churches of Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon, and Agia Anastasia. On top of these four churches, there is the church of the Virgin Mary, which looks like a dome.
The five churches were not constructed at once, but gradually along centuries. The oldest church is Agios Anargyros, which was built in the late 14th century. The other churches were built in the 16th and the 17th century, while there were renovations till 1920.
The church is open to the public and visitors can explore the interior, which is adorned with frescoes and intricate woodcarvings. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon or early evening, when the sun sets over the Aegean Sea and the church is illuminated against the backdrop of the night sky. Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most photographed landmarks on the island and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Mykonos.
English (UK)