It is located on the east side of Parikia very close to the port, while it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This is the famous church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani or Katapoliani of Paros.
What does Ekatontapyliani mean?
Until a few years ago, the prevailing opinion was that the real name of the church was Katapoliani. This because it was located "Kata tin polin", which means "towards the city". Another tradition says that the origin of the name "Ekatontapyliani" (Hundred doors) is summarized in the following phrases: "Katapoliani has ninety-nine open doors. The hundredth door is closed and not visible". This door will be visible and will open when the Greeks take Poli (the city of Konstantinoupolis)".
When was Panagia Ekatontapyliani built?
It is estimated that the church was built during the early Christian years (4th century AD). The fork narrative attributes the construction of the church to the imperial sponsorship of Constantine the Great. This fact is proved by the quality of the decoration found in the large cruciform basilica located in this early Christian complex.
The complex of Ekatontapyliani also includes small chapels and a building of two-storey monk cells, that dates from the 17th and 18th centuries. In the premises of Ekatontapyliani are kept two interesting collections with early Christian sculptures, post-Byzantine icons, and other relics.