Mykonian Churches

Could the presence of God be absent from paradise? Obviously not. And it is just as natural that there are a great number of places of worship, in the earthly paradise that Mykonos is.

There are almost 800 churches and votive chapels in the whole island. Most of the chapels represent votive offerings of local people, expressing hope or gratitude for the fulfillment of some personal appeal.
Some of Mykonos’ churches have been declared protected historical monuments by the Ministry of Culture. In Chora alone there are more than 60 churches of great monumental interest.

Most of the island’s churches are small, unadorned, single aisled and arched roofed constructions. In most of them the exterior of their roofs is painted dark red. The majority are of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, though there are a few of the early Byzantine period.
Their interiors are ornamented with Icons, temples of elaborate fretwork, religious paintings, all representative and, in many cases, extremely interesting works of popular hagiography and ecclesiastical decoration.

The most impressive example of a unique and remarkable ecclesiastical monument of unprecedented beauty is the five churches cluster of Paraportiani. The two- level complex comprises of the churches of Virgin Mary -the church on the second level- and the churches of the ground floor, St. Sozon, Saints Anargyroi and St. Anastasia. These three churches constitute the western part of the cluster, while St. Efstathios lies hidden in the interior of the same level.

Mykonos also has several Monasteries of interesting architectural design and ecclesiastical art works, such as the 17th century Monastery of Agios Panteleimonas, in Marathi, the great Monastery of Panaghia Tourliani (16-18th century), and the Monastery of Paleokastro (18th century) in Ano Mera, and the Monastery of Agios Georgios in Ambelokipos.