Church of Panagia
Church of Panagia
4.5
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- mary tAthens, Greece4 contributionsWonderful Cycladic white church with a blue domeThe central square of Oia with the wonderful mosaic with dolphins. The church of Panagia is a landmark and a meeting point. Inside, it has a wonderful large icon of Saint Minas. We lit a candle in her grace. BlessingVisited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 31 May 2024
- e.smile165 contributionsChurch and square that serves as a base for sightseeing in OiaThis church stands majestically in a square just a short walk from the bus terminal in Oia down a narrow, slightly uphill passage. The square where this church stands seems to be the tourist base of the city of Oia, and also serves as a meeting place for group tourists. There are not many people there in the early morning, but from 10:00 a.m. until after sunset, it is always full of tourists. The church is beautiful with its pure white blue dome. If you want to take photos, it is recommended to go early in the morning when there are fewer people. We came by bus from Fira, but the bus in Fira runs from around 7:00 or 7:30 a.m., so we took the bus around 9:00 a.m. on both days and arrived in Oia around 9:30 a.m. There were not many people at that time, so we were able to take good photos. The square is in front of the sea, so you can see the majestic Aegean Sea.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2024
- Dennis KPlano, Texas265 contributionsA Church with a ViewThis is a pretty church in Santorini with one of the iconic blue domes on top. It has a great location overlooking the Aegean Sea. Typically, a lot of people will be in this area, so expect crowds. You won't need a lot of time here, but it is worth stopping by and taking a look while you are on the island.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 June 2024
- Tigerbobby24Hürth, Germany423 contributionsChurch in der center of OiaLocated in the center of Oia. this is curse and blessing on both times. The place in front of the church is always overcrowded, because every tour group use the place as a meeting point. All the people traveling by bus to Oia, arrived downstairs of the church. The church itsself is a beautiful Orthodox Church.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 August 2024
- J CSunderland, United Kingdom575 contributionsChurch of PanagiaWe visited the church at Sunset. There was a service on for the locals but also allowed tourist in. It was very peaceful inside the church and had a choir boy singing. There were also children outside that got to ring the bells before the service. Very pretty both inside and out. It was very busy outside however.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 August 2024
- rennbootHamburg, Germany11,509 contributionsImpressive, overwhelming.....Moin Folks, To find words here, me so easily, the one built up here, not with the technology of today, but of the day before yesterday, already very impressive. It stands and that in wind and weather, just the interior design, all that hangs up and is shown, very overpowering. Have fun, I'll check it out again soon, the island -Santorini- has something magical, I love being with the friendly Greeks🤩😘Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 24 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
432 reviews
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Mairwen1
United Kingdom12,133 contributions
June 2023 • Couples
This is the largest of all Oia’s churches, located in the heart of the village, on the main square. It’s not listed as one of the must-see places in Oia so it was not very crowded. In contrast, if you try to see the famous three blue domes, then you’ll have to join a snaking queue to take photos.
This church has 5 domes of its own, although only one, the main one is painted blue. The others are towards the back and are plain white and are not easily seen from the square.
The main feature is the lovely, tall bell tower with 6 bells in three rows, stacked like a pyramid.
Inside, its quite dark but the dome is all brilliant blues and glittering golds. At its centre, is the image of Christ Pantokrator, the all-powerful Creator of Heaven and Earth, looming over the congregation. In his left hand, he holds the book of the Gospel and his right hand is held in a very awkward and unnatural pose. Why the odd hand position? We later learnt that the fingers form the letters ‘ICXC’, an abbreviation of Jesus’ name (made from first and last letters of his name in Greek). We soon realised that everything about this image was highly symbolic.
The other main point of interest here is the holy icon of Mary. According to legend it was found in the sea by local fisherman who saw a mysterious candle-like light bobbing about in the water. They ran to get the local priest who gathered together a posse of residents and proceeded down to the sea, carrying torches and praying. They fished the icon out of the water and took it to the local church. Much to everyone’s surprise, the next day it had disappeared and was found at the Oia Castle. For several days, Mary was dutifully returned to the church but every day, she disappeared again. Finally, it was decided that Mary was trying to tell them something and that this was where she wanted to be. In honour of Mary, a new church was built at this spot.
The church was moved to its current location after the original one was destroyed in the 1956 earthquake.
This church has 5 domes of its own, although only one, the main one is painted blue. The others are towards the back and are plain white and are not easily seen from the square.
The main feature is the lovely, tall bell tower with 6 bells in three rows, stacked like a pyramid.
Inside, its quite dark but the dome is all brilliant blues and glittering golds. At its centre, is the image of Christ Pantokrator, the all-powerful Creator of Heaven and Earth, looming over the congregation. In his left hand, he holds the book of the Gospel and his right hand is held in a very awkward and unnatural pose. Why the odd hand position? We later learnt that the fingers form the letters ‘ICXC’, an abbreviation of Jesus’ name (made from first and last letters of his name in Greek). We soon realised that everything about this image was highly symbolic.
The other main point of interest here is the holy icon of Mary. According to legend it was found in the sea by local fisherman who saw a mysterious candle-like light bobbing about in the water. They ran to get the local priest who gathered together a posse of residents and proceeded down to the sea, carrying torches and praying. They fished the icon out of the water and took it to the local church. Much to everyone’s surprise, the next day it had disappeared and was found at the Oia Castle. For several days, Mary was dutifully returned to the church but every day, she disappeared again. Finally, it was decided that Mary was trying to tell them something and that this was where she wanted to be. In honour of Mary, a new church was built at this spot.
The church was moved to its current location after the original one was destroyed in the 1956 earthquake.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
singhasam
Weymouth, UK4,074 contributions
June 2022
THIS is a general review of Santorini from the point of view of a first time visitor.
We arrived by high speed ferry from Santorini...and so did an army of other tourists.
This for us was the single biggest problem we faced. People simply poured off the ferry like a tidal wave of lemmings and everywhere we went there was the same log jam of fellow visitors.
Narrow streets became choked and at pinch points you had to wait your turn to move forward.
That said, the views on the island and over the caldera are simply stunning and the Church of Panagia was lovely.
We found a taverna off the beaten track to escape the crowds for lunch before winding our way through streets of shops to various viewpoints overlooking the spectacular cliffs.
These are views on a grand scale with a giant cruise ship reduced to a toy boat far below, dwarfed by the cliffs and the hillside of homes and churches.
Be warned. You will pay premium prices at any restaurant able to boast a view of the cliffs and sea, but you can find cheaper places tucked away which offer just as good quality at a far cheaper price.
This is not a trip for wheelchair or disabled people. It is is possible to use a funicular but by and large it is a slog round steep back streets descending off the main drag via lots of steps. This is necessary because most of the best views are gained lower down via these tiny side streets.
The colours on buildings, the different shades of blue in the sea and the brightness under the blazing sun are all lovely. This is why Santorini is so popular but it is also why the island gets choked with people.
It is a trade-off. If you want to go and enjoy the sights and views then you have to accept that other people do too...a lot of other people.
I don't regret making the trip but, now I have experienced Santorini, I'll stick with my memories. I won't be going back.
We arrived by high speed ferry from Santorini...and so did an army of other tourists.
This for us was the single biggest problem we faced. People simply poured off the ferry like a tidal wave of lemmings and everywhere we went there was the same log jam of fellow visitors.
Narrow streets became choked and at pinch points you had to wait your turn to move forward.
That said, the views on the island and over the caldera are simply stunning and the Church of Panagia was lovely.
We found a taverna off the beaten track to escape the crowds for lunch before winding our way through streets of shops to various viewpoints overlooking the spectacular cliffs.
These are views on a grand scale with a giant cruise ship reduced to a toy boat far below, dwarfed by the cliffs and the hillside of homes and churches.
Be warned. You will pay premium prices at any restaurant able to boast a view of the cliffs and sea, but you can find cheaper places tucked away which offer just as good quality at a far cheaper price.
This is not a trip for wheelchair or disabled people. It is is possible to use a funicular but by and large it is a slog round steep back streets descending off the main drag via lots of steps. This is necessary because most of the best views are gained lower down via these tiny side streets.
The colours on buildings, the different shades of blue in the sea and the brightness under the blazing sun are all lovely. This is why Santorini is so popular but it is also why the island gets choked with people.
It is a trade-off. If you want to go and enjoy the sights and views then you have to accept that other people do too...a lot of other people.
I don't regret making the trip but, now I have experienced Santorini, I'll stick with my memories. I won't be going back.
Written 24 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ludo V
Antwerp, Belgium949 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The village square is dominated by the church of Panagia-Platsani. It is a striking building, once part of the castle and moved to this village square. Rebuilt after the 1956 earthquake. Along the side of the village square it shows a straight asymmetrical facade, of course snow white. Six windows on the first floor, three on the ground floor and entrance door. Above the entrance door a mosaic of Saint Theotocus before the Blessed Virgin.
On the left a beautiful three-storey bell tower. On the bottom three bells, above that two bells, even higher two bells. The ropes to ring them simply hang along the facades.
A raised round blue dome, also with two floors, crowns the whole, surrounded by a number of smaller round domes.
Inside it is the classical splendor of a Greek Orthodox church. Walls covered with sculpted wooden panels and many silver icons. Every piece of wall painted. Copper and silver chandeliers set the whole thing in sparkle. On the inside of the dome images of eight saints and in the top a classic image of God as creator.
On the left a beautiful three-storey bell tower. On the bottom three bells, above that two bells, even higher two bells. The ropes to ring them simply hang along the facades.
A raised round blue dome, also with two floors, crowns the whole, surrounded by a number of smaller round domes.
Inside it is the classical splendor of a Greek Orthodox church. Walls covered with sculpted wooden panels and many silver icons. Every piece of wall painted. Copper and silver chandeliers set the whole thing in sparkle. On the inside of the dome images of eight saints and in the top a classic image of God as creator.

Written 13 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HiromiSY
Chuo, Japan1,116 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This Greek Orthodox church stands tall in the square halfway down the promenade in Oia.
The building's color scheme, which is symbolic of Santorini, caught my eye right away.
The bus terminal for Fira is located down the alley next to the church, so the square in front of the church is always full of people.
The building's color scheme, which is symbolic of Santorini, caught my eye right away.
The bus terminal for Fira is located down the alley next to the church, so the square in front of the church is always full of people.

Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria Solange O
Farroupilha, RS31,211 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
The Panagia Orthodox Church is the most famous in Oia. It is located in the main square. The building is beautiful, it has 5 domes and the bell tower, shaped like a pyramid, has 6 bells. Over the main door there is a beautiful golden mosaic. Access is free and there is always a lot of movement around it.

Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frappas2
Melbourne, Australia106 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I’m not a religious person but you cannot help but be in awe of the Greek Orthodox people with regard to their devotion to their faith. This church is very beautiful and ornate, and it is well worth a visit. Light a candle, offer a coin or two and stay a short time to reflect and appreciate.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stanisław Ł
Bestwina9,126 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
The Panagia Akathistos Hymn Church is undoubtedly the most famous and impressive church in Oia and the entire northern part of the island. It stands in the heart of the town, at the main square. The white building is built on a square plan and has five domes, the largest of which is painted blue. The front of the building is decorated with arched windows and has a three-stage bell tower with six bells. There is a gilded mosaic on the wall above the entrance. The old church stood within the walls of the Venetian castle in Oia, but after it was destroyed by the earthquake in 1956, it was rebuilt in its current location. The church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary (Panagia), whose icon, according to legend, was once found in the sea.

Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M i l e n a🌹🌟🌹🌟🌹
Munich, Germany3,090 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Built in a typical Greek style with a blue dome, additionally beautiful bells on the facade, inside it is a true work of art. The icons decorated with gold and the wall paintings in biblical motifs are simply masterpieces. Definitely recommended to visit.
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🌈🌈❤️happyopenmindedtraveler❤️🌈🌈
The Netherlands434,517 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
During our 7-night stay on Santorini, we (i) might have walked by this overwhelmingly beautiful church at least a dozen times. There are really many beautiful places on this quite overwhelmingly wonderful island, in terms of beauty, but this lovely church really stood out for me, personally and especially on a day with a clear blue sky behind it. Lovely!!!❤ (Correction: Date of experience for my Amoudi Bay review here below should be April 2023 and not March 2023✌)
Written 11 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Razorfish
Little Rock, AR5,271 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
The Church of Panagia is in downtown Oia. It has a beautiful tiled courtyard square in front of the church building. The blue dome sticks out against the whitewashed building. The square is one of the largest open areas along the walk in Oia. A great place for taking photos.
Written 8 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry, I do not know which hours it is open.
Written 15 July 2019
I was enquiring about the possibility of having a wedding in your beautiful church some time next year , me and my fiancé are both Coptic orthodox Christians and are very interested , would this be a possibility ?
Written 16 February 2018
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