Ekatontapyliani, the Church of a Hundred Doors, is one of the oldest working churches in Greece, standing in Parikia, the capital of Paros. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide was updated in August 2026. Some guides describe continuous opening hours through the day, while others report a midday closure; both patterns are reported locally, so times are worth confirming on arrival.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Church generally daily, hours are erratic, but approximately 8:00–20:00 (a midday closure is reported by some sources). Byzantine Museum keeps separate, shorter hours |
| Ticket prices | Church free (donations welcome). Byzantine Museum €3, including the baptistery and upper gallery |
| Address | Parikia, Paros 844 00, near the port |
| Nearest transport | About a 5-minute walk from Parikia’s ferry port and bus station |
| Typical visit length | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
Ekatontapyliani opening hours
The church is generally open daily, roughly from 8:00 to 20:00, though some sources report a midday closure around 13:00 to 16:00. Treat exact hours as approximate, in true Greek Islands style.
The Byzantine Museum, within the same complex, keeps shorter and separately published hours, so check locally on arrival.
Access may be limited during services, particularly around the 15 August feast of the Dormition, the complex’s main annual celebration.
Why book the Best of Paros Bus Tour?
- ⛪ Historic Paroikia & Panagia Ekatontapiliani: Explore the island’s capital of Paroikia and visit the legendary “Church of 100 Doors,” one of the best-preserved Byzantine monuments in Greece.
- 🎣 Charming Fishing Village of Naoussa: Stroll through the romantic harbor of Naoussa, known for its whitewashed alleys, Venetian castle ruins, and traditional blue-and-white fishing boats.
- 🏔️ Mountain Village of Lefkes: Discover the ancient medieval capital of Lefkes, perched high in the hills, featuring classical Cycladic architecture, marble-paved paths, and sweeping valley views.
- 🏝️ Short Boat Trip to Antiparos: Hop on a short ferry over to the neighboring island of Antiparos to walk its quaint main street and admire the historic Venetian fortress (Kastro).
- 🐟 Seaside Lunch in Aliki: Stop at the southern coastal village of Aliki to enjoy fresh seafood by the sea and experience authentic local island hospitality.
Ekatontapyliani ticket prices
Entry to the church itself is free, with donations welcomed but not required.
The Byzantine Museum, a separate ticketed section within the complex, costs €3. This also includes access to an early 4th-century baptistery and the gynaikonitis, the upper gallery once used by women, which now displays ecclesiastical vestments.
The complex is not included in any city pass, since it operates independently of the regional museum network.
Background information was checked on the official website and last updated in August 2026.
How to get to Ekatontapyliani
The church stands in Parikia, a short walk from the town’s ferry port and central bus station.
From the port, it is about a 5-minute walk along the waterfront and into the old town.
No bus or taxi is needed, since the site sits well within walking distance of where ferries arrive.
Parking near Ekatontapyliani
A public car park lies about 2 minutes’ walk from the church, though central Parikia is largely pedestrianised.
Visitors arriving by car are better off parking near the port and walking the short distance to the church.
How long to spend at Ekatontapyliani
Most visitors need 30 minutes to see the church itself.
Add the Byzantine Museum for a fuller visit of around 45 minutes to an hour in total.
Accessibility at Ekatontapyliani
The complex is accessible to visitors with mobility issues, though some sections include steps or uneven surfaces.
The Byzantine Museum’s upper gallery, reached via the gynaikonitis, may be less straightforward for wheelchair users.
Inside Ekatontapyliani: what to see
Founded in the 4th century, reportedly through a vow made by Saint Helen, mother of Constantine the Great, the church was substantially rebuilt under Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.
According to local tradition, the complex has 99 doors, with a hundredth hidden door said to open only when Hagia Sophia in Constantinople becomes an Orthodox church once again.
The complex includes the main church, several internal and external chapels, a cruciform baptistery, and the former monks’ cells now housing the Byzantine Museum.
The Byzantine Museum displays icons and wood carvings from the 15th to 18th centuries, along with ecclesiastical vestments and metalwork from Paros’s post-Byzantine history.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, since this remains an active place of worship. |
| Visit outside 15 August if possible, since the Feast of the Dormition draws large crowds to the island. |
| Combine your visit with the nearby Archaeological Museum of Paros, a short walk away. |
| Check current hours locally, since published times vary between sources. |
| Avoid flash photography inside the church, out of respect for the building and its icons. |
Frequently asked questions about Ekatontapyliani
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Ekatontapyliani suitable for children? | Yes, since visits are generally brief and informal. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No, entry is walk-in only, with no booking system. |
| Is the church open on Sundays? | Yes, though services will affect the pace and atmosphere of a visit. |
| Are bags allowed inside? | Small bags are fine; modest dress matters more than any bag rule. |
| Is there a fee to see the whole complex? | Only the Byzantine Museum charges a fee; the church itself is free. |
Things to do near Ekatontapyliani
The Archaeological Museum of Paros, a short walk away, displays finds including the Gorgon of Paros and the Nike of Paros. The Frankish Castle of Parikia, built partly from ancient temple stones, stands nearby in the old town.
Parikia’s harbourfront, with its restored windmill and waterside cafes, is a few minutes’ walk away. Ferries to Antiparos and other Cycladic islands depart from the port, directly below the church.
Alternative attractions
Panagia Evangelistria, on Tinos, is Greece‘s leading site of Marian pilgrimage, a short ferry ride away. Panagia Tourliani Monastery, on Mykonos, offers a comparable working monastery in a similarly historic Cycladic setting.
The Monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa, on Amorgos, is a dramatic cliffside pilgrimage site further into the Cyclades. Panagia Paraportiani, on Mykonos, is a well-known example of small-scale Cycladic church architecture, though not a major pilgrimage site.
More Cyclades travel
Other Cyclades travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Plan your visits to the Aegean Maritime Museum and Archaeological Museum of Mykonos.
- Practical guide to visiting the Yria Archaeological Site on Naxos.
- Discovering the inland highlights on a full day Naxos bus tour.
- How to plan your visit to the Lost Atlantis Experience on Santorini.
- What to expect at the Andros Maritime Museum.
