Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Paros through its remarkable landmarks.
From historic churches and archaeological museums to ancient sanctuaries and medieval monuments, discover the stories that have shaped the island and experience a different side of Paros during your stay at Fragoulis Village.
The church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani is located in Paroikia, just 200m away from the port, and it is the most imposing church in the Cyclades, but also one of the most important in Greece, almost 1.600 years old. On August 15th is her feast, and festive events are held in her honor. Its history begins in the 4th century AD. During the search for the Holy Cross, Agia Eleni stopped in Paros and prayed in a small sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary, promising that if she found the Holy Cross, she would build a large church in the name of the Virgin Mary. This promise was kept by her son, the emperor Constantine the Great. The church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani also houses the Ecclesiastical Museum, which features rare Ecclesiastical works of art, wood carvings, and relics from the Byzantine era.
The museum is located behind the church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani church. Parian pieces from the 3rd century are the most important exhibits. The Archaeological Museum in Paroikia displays a variety of findings from the Neolithic Age, the Archaic Period, the Classical Period, and the Roman Εra, such as ceramics, marble figurines, tombstones, inscriptions, and marble.
The Frankish castle of Paroikia was built in the 13th century by the Duke of Naxos, Marco Sanudo, during the Venetian domination of the island. This castle incorporated parts of archaic and classical temples, of which only one part of the archaic temple of Athena still exists. Inside the castle, there are small churches that are built on its walls.
On the hill of Agia Anna, a short distance from Parikia, there is the sanctuary of the god of medicine, Asclepius. The sanctuary was built in the 4th century BC, around a spring. Today, in this area, there are ruins of the temple of Pythian Apollo.
About 1 km from Paroikia, there is the sanctuary of Delion. The temple was the place of worship for the god Apollo of Delion. The original structure was built in the 9th - 8th century BC. Later, in the 5th century BC, a new temple was built dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
