The Orthodox church of Panagia Paraportiani, masterpiece of Cycladic architecture in the heart of Mykonos
The photograph portrays the church of Panagia Paraportiani, considered Mykonos most photographed monument and one of the most important examples of Cycladic religious architecture. The building, whose name means "Our Lady of the Side Gate", is actually a complex of five churches merged together over the centuries, starting from the 15th century. The entirely white structure features organic and sinuous forms, with domes, vaults, and curved surfaces that seem sculpted by wind and sea salt. The whitewash, renewed every year, creates plays of light and shadow that change with the passing hours. Some tourists admire the church from the churchyard paved with gray and white stones arranged in geometric patterns. On the left, a typical Mykonos dwelling can be glimpsed. This church is located near the entrance to the kastro, the ancient Venetian fortress.
