The imposing and majestic temple of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Our Lady of the Hundred Gates), the diamond of Paros, is located near the port of Parikia. It is the only church in the Greek territory which has been maintained almost completely intact since the period of its final formation (6^th century), and it is one of the most significant early Christian monuments, as far as its size is concerned. The temple of Panagia (Virgin Mary), which attracts visitors all year long, was built, according to tradition, during the 4^th century by Constantine the Great, as fulfillment of a vow of his mother, Agia (St.) Heleni. A large part of the initial building was ruined, probably due to fire, and the temple was reconstructed during the reign of Justinian, 6^th century, when a cupola with semi-domes was added to the already ornate building. In 1959 restoration was performed and the modern building has the shape of a cruciform basilica with a dome, which bears elements of various Byzantine periods, as well as of the post-Byzantine period, and it is decorated with Parian marble.
Essentially, the resplendent temple, with the 99 open and the one closed gate, is an entire building complex, with a main temple and six chapels dedicated to saints like Agios (St.) Philipos and Agii Anargyri (Holy Unmercenaries). In the exterior area visitors will have the opportunity to admire, in addition to the huge iron gate of the entrance, the remaining temples as well, like the famous basilica of Agios (St.) Nikolaos, the temple of Agia (St.) Theodosia, but mainly the well-maintained baptistery of the 4^th century, the most ancient one throughout the orthodox East. The interior of the church lacks nothing after the glamour of the exterior; on the contrary, it exudes the grandeur of a long-term tradition, creating feelings of joy and spiritual uplifting, strengthening the faith of the pilgrims. If you have the opportunity to be on the island during Holy Week, the Ekatontapiliani provides one of the most atmospheric Easter masses, and also in the summer, on August 15^th, the entire island celebrates with fireworks and dances in honor of the Panagia (Virgin Mary). Visiting hours: Open all day long.