Panagia Ekatontapyliani

On the west side of the town of Paroikia, you'll find the church that has been in continuous use for the longest time in Greece and an impressive Byzantine monument. The Panagia Egatontapyliani lies behind fortified walls, and is the only church in Parikia that is not white.

The construction of the Church of 100 Gates (or Doors) dates back to the 6th century, but the inspiration dates further back to the 4th century when it was founded by St. Helen, the mother of Constantine. According to legend, St. Helen was forced to put in at Paros during a storm, while on a pilgrimage to find the path to the True Cross. As is the greek custom when in trouble at sea, she vowed to build a church on this spot but died before this plan could be realized.

The emperor Justinian saw Helen's plans to completion in the 6th century. Legend surrounds this pretty church of pupil surpassing master, and ensuing tragedy. The church was built by Ignatius, who was a pupil of the architect of the famous Agia Sofia in Constantinople (Istanbul), Isidore of Miletus. Isidore attacked Ignatius in a fit of jealous rage when he saw the beautiful church and tried to push Ignatius off the roof. In the ensuing struggle, both men fell to their deaths. Ignatius and Isidore are immortalized in stone in the courtyard in front of the church.

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Another legend surrounds the gates, or doorways. Ekatontapylani was made up of three interlocking buildings, with 99 doors and windows. According to legend, when the 100th door is found, Constantinople (Istanbul) will return to the Greeks. In the 10th century, the church was restyled in the shape of the Greek cross.

An icon of the virgin can be found on the wooden iconostasis which is worshipped for its healing powers. Nearb the icon, a footprint set in stone is said to belong to the island's patron saint Agia Theoktisti.

As a young woman, in the 9th century, Theoktisti was captured by pirates. She escaped and fled to Paros where she lived alone in the woods for 35 years. When a local hunter found Theoktisti, she asked him for some communion bread. He gave her the bread and she laid down and died. Realizing she was a saint, the hunter took her hand as a relic, but he found he couldn't leave the island until he reunited her hand with the body. The severed hand relic is displayed in the church.

From the back of the church a door leads to the 4th century BC chapel of Agios Nikolaos. This Roman building has a double row of Doric columns, a marble throne and 17th century icons.

The baptistery next door dates to the 11th century.

The elaborate church of Ekatontapyliani has no bell tower. The bells of the church are hung from a tree outside.

The church is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Be sure to wear appropriate attire.

For more photos and information visit http://ekatontapyliani.org