Paraportiani, Greek Orthodox church in Chora, Greece.
Paraportiani is a church complex made from five separate chapels merged into one structure, with four churches at ground level and one above. The chapels are connected by narrow passages and stairs, forming a maze-like building with whitewashed walls.
Construction started in 1425 and took place over several phases until the structure was completed in the 1600s. Each chapel was added at different times, contributing to the complex building history of the site.
The white walls and irregular shapes show traditional Cycladic building style that came from merging several chapels into one complex. Visitors see how local architectural traditions shaped religious spaces for generations of people in the community.
The building sits at the edge of Chora's old town and is visible from outside throughout the day. The interior has restricted opening times, so it is best to check ahead or arrive early to increase chances of entry.
The building combines five separate churches each with their own names: Saint Eustathios, Saint Sozon, Saints Anargyroi, Saint Anastasia, and the Virgin Mary. These were stacked vertically and horizontally in an unusual way, creating a distinctive religious architecture.
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