Our 10 Favorite Churches in Greece

Millions of tourists and believers flock annually to the well-known churches of Greece.

Panagia Paraportiani on Mykonos, Meteora, the Church of Kapnikarea in central Athens and the blue-domed churches of Santorini are all known throughout the world.

But here’s a list of 10 lesser-known churches, deep in beauty, spirituality and history.

1) Church of the Seven Martyrs, Sifnos island

Situated on a windy peninsula, right below Kastro village in Sifnos, this chapel is surrounded by the beautiful blue of the Aegean sea. The sunrise here is breathtaking.

2) Church of St. Isidoros, Chios island

Located in a small lovely bay, near the Sykiada village in Northeast Chios, this is one of the most photographed places in the island.

3) Monastery of Elona, Lakonia

According to tradition, the miracle-working icon of Panagia Vrefokratousa was found here and the first two monks settled in to protect it. The majestic monastery stands on a huge rocky crag of Mount Parnon and it brought hope to the Greek people during the Ottoman oppression.

4) Panagia Makrini, Samos Island

Found on the western side of Kerki, the Holy Mountain of Samos, this chapel is built within a cave surrounded by earthen pots which fill from the water from the stalactites.

5) Monastery of St John the Theologian, Chora of Patmos island

Declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, this monastery was founded in 1088 when the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Kommenos gave the island of Patmos to the soldier-priest Ioannis Christodoulos “the Blessed”. Hidden in the walls are fragments of an ancient temple of Artemis that was destroyed in the 11th century. Halfway down the cobbled path that leads to the monastery is the Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John is believed to have received his revelations.

6) St. Fanourios Church, Doxa Lake in Corinthia

Lake Doxa is an artificial lake in western Corinthia, near the village of ancient Feneos. This small chapel is on a small peninsula in the heart of the lake.

7) Churches in Didima, Argolida

Didima, meaning twins, is a small village south of Epidavros, known for its two craters. In the smaller crater there are two tiny churches of Byzantine origin, St. George chapel (pictured) and the church of Metamorphosis.

8) St. John, Skopelos Island

Made famous by the movie Mamma Mia, this church is built atop a high cliff near the village of Glossa and one has to climb about 106 steps to reach it. The view from the top justifies every step though!

9) Panagia Tourliani, Milos Island

Another favorite, this church is built on a hill above Klima village, overlooking the island and the Adamas gulf.

10) St. Stefanos, Syros Island

According to tradition, the church of Agios Stefanos was built by a fisherman named Stephanos from the nearby village of Galissa, who has been threatened by a huge octopus that was pulling him to the sea. He made a vow to St. Stephanos to save him and so he built the chapel in this secluded crag in his honor.

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