Panagia Episkopi Church

Overview

Panagia Episkopi is an 11th-century Byzantine church in the village of Mesa Gonia, one of the most important medieval religious monuments in the Cyclades. Built by the Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, it features remarkable marble iconostasis elements and a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.

Highlights

• Byzantine architecture: A rare example of an 11th-century cruciform church in the Cyclades, with later Gothic modifications.
• Marble templon fragments: Beautifully carved 11th-century marble screen pieces in the sanctuary.
• Icon of the Virgin: The revered Panagia Episkopi icon, believed by locals to have miraculous properties.

History

Built around 1100 CE by order of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos as the seat of the Orthodox Bishop of Santorini. The church was later modified by the Franks who added Gothic architectural elements after the Fourth Crusade (1204). It survived the 1956 earthquake with structural damage and was painstakingly restored over several decades.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The church is in Mesa Gonia, a semi-abandoned earthquake village — explore the surrounding ruins for a haunting, atmospheric experience.
• Tip 2: Combine with a visit to the nearby Wine Museum Koutsoyannopoulos.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.