Panagia Paraportiani in Mykonos

The beautiful Church of Panagia Paraportiani in Mykonos, Cyclades is among the most photographed churches not only in Greece but in the entire world. It is located at the entrance of the Kastro neighbourhood, right by the sea.

The beautiful Church of Panagia Paraportiani in Mykonos, Cyclades is among the most photographed churches not only in Greece but in the entire world. It is located at the entrance of the Kastro neighbourhood, right by the sea.

The name of the church (Panagia Paraportiani) literally means "Our Lady of the Side Gate", as the church entrance was located in the side gate of the entrance to the Kastro area.

Construction of the church began in 1425, however it was not until the 17th century that it was completed.

The beautiful, whitewashed church is most unique as it actually consists of five small churches that are joined together - either on top or next to each other.

The church of Agios Efstathios is the centre of this complex, surrounded by the churches of Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon, and Agia Anastasia. On top of these four churches, there is the fifth church of Panagia, which looks like a dome.

The five churches were not constructed at once, but gradually over 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 taking place until 1920.