Panagia Ekatontapyliani, the historical temple of Paros island with 100 entrances: 99 known and 1 secret.

In the capital Paros, called Paroikia, there is one of the largest and best-preserved Christian churches in Greece. Its name is Panagia Ekatontapiliani (translated: 100 Gates), and according to the traditions of Paros, it was built in the 4th century by Saint Eleni or Saint Konstantinos.

Saint Eleni had prayed in this church when she was heading to Holy Land and Jerusalem to find the Archaic. She swore an oath that if she had achieved her goal, she would build an even bigger and brighter temple. She eventually fulfilled her oath, but the temple was probably destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.

Legend has it that the 100th gate of the temple is secret and not visible, and when it is found, the Greeks will reconquer Constantinople. 

The magnificent church is a whole complex of buildings with 6 other chapels dedicated to saints like Saint Phillipos. In addition, visitors can admire the other temples nearby, such as the famous basilica of Saint Nikolaos, the church of Saint Theodosia, but especially the well-preserved 4th century baptistery, the oldest in the entire Orthodox East.

Τhe interior of the church exudes the grandeur of a long tradition that evokes feelings of joy and spiritual uplift and strengthens the faith of pilgrims.

During the restoration of the church between 1959-1966, the archaeologist Anastasios Orlandos unveiled a gymnasium from the Roman period with a magnificent floor representing the 12 Labours of Hercules, which was transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Paros. There are many other pieces from the classical and ancient times that have been kept for centuries in the cellars of Panagia Ekatontapyliani.