Panagia Episkopi is the oldest surviving church on the island of Santorini. It was built during the 11th to 12th centuries as a Byzantine cathedral and was dedicated to Panagia, the Greek Orthodox name for the Virgin Mary.

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Architecture

The church has the typical appearance of Byzantine ecclesiastical buildings. It is built on the plan of a cross with rounded outer walls and a classical circular dome in the middle. It is plastered in pure white as is customary in the Cyclades.

With its dimensions of 14x11 metres, it is not one of the giants, but the fact that it has changed its appearance only minimally during its existence makes it one of the most important historical monuments of Santorini.

Entrance fees and opening hours

The church is open to the public daily from 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00.

Admission is free.

How to get here?

Panagia Episkopi lies in a relatively remote area of the interior of the island at the foot of Profitis Ilias. You can only get here by rental car, no buses go anywhere near here.