In Paros, as in the whole Greece, there is not only the beach and the sun, but there are also things to see that are worth moving around a bit if you are not quite in the area. In Paros, for example, it is worth taking a trip to the Church of the Hundred Doors.
The Church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani is one of the oldest Byzantine monuments in the world and is located precisely at Parikia. The church was built on the foundations of an ancient basilica of 4th century even if two centuries later, the Emperor Justinian enlarged the structure, adding two domes.
The church was built on the ruins of a ancient greek temple and in the 18th century the icons were decorated with silver, according to the Greek Orthodox tradition. The church courtyard houses the Byzantine Museum, which includes numerous icons and artifacts testifying to the church's long history, spanning over 1700 years. Also in the courtyard you can admire the ruins of the ancient Greek temple and the Roman gymnasium, and visit the souvenir and book shop.
Many are attributed to the church myths and legends. One of these tells that Agia Theoktisti, patron saint of Paros, who escaped the pirates took refuge in the church where she lived until her death. L'imprint of his foot it is still visible today on the marble floor of the central building.
The official website of the Church of the Hundred Doors it's here.
