Since its entrance was located near the side gate of the entrance to the Kastro neighborhood, its name literally translates to “Our Lady of the Side Gate” in Greek. One of the most popular churches in the world—and one of the most beautiful—is the Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani church on Mykonos. It is situated directly by the water at the Kastro neighborhood’s entrance. In reality, the whitewashed structure is a complex with five chapels split into two levels. The five churches weren’t built all at once; rather, they were built over several years. Agios Anargyros, which was constructed in the late 14th century, is the oldest church. The other churches were constructed in the 16th and 17th centuries, with repairs continuing until 1920. The churches of Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon, and Agia Anastasia surround the church of Agios Efstathios, which stands in the center of this complex. The Virgin Mary Church, which resembles a dome, sits atop these four other churches. One of Mykonos’ most recognizable images, Panagia Paraportiani, is unmistakable due to its brilliant white color and Cycladic flexibility. In honor of its 300-year-old miraculous symbol, Virgin Mary was given the name Paraportiani after the castle’s modest entryway, or paraporti, which is where she was born.
PANAGIA PARAPORTIANI
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