Monasteries – Churches
On every corner of the island, from end to end, the white churches, country chapels and monasteries lend their character to the Parian landscape. Most were built in the 16th and 17th centuries when the church of Paros was at its peak. Before the fall of Constantinople there were many other Cathedrals of which “Aghios Giorgios o Thalassitis” (Saint George of the Sea, Piso Livadi, 13th century), “o Evangelismos tis Theotokou” (Annunciation of the Holy Mother, Marpissa, 1410) and “Theoskepasti” (Sheltered by God, Protoria Naoussa) have remained standing. The churches of Paros hold wonderful frescoes, noteworthy icons as well as great architectural and historical interest. The monasteries are places of worship and significant cultural centres deeply tied to the history of the island. Built in remote and beautiful locations their exteriors often resemble fortresses. During the Turkish occupation there were approximately 35 working monasteries on the island, today only 5 are still active. The men’s seminary “Longovardas” on the Paroikia-Naoussa road is famous for its cultural contribution to the island as well as the assistance the monks provided the islanders during the German occupation. The social contributions of the monastery are evident even today. They donated three acres of land for the wild animal refuge and rescue facility “Alcyone” which operates on a 24 hour basis providing expert veterinary care, recovery and re-release of wild, migratory and local species and is operated on an entirely volunteer basis. Other monasteries still in operation include:
“Thapsanon” south of Elitas, “Aghios Arsenios” (Christ of the Forest) south of Paroikia where Saint Arsenio’s tomb is located (the patron of Paros), “Taxiarchis” north of Paroikia, and “Aghion Theodoron” east of Agkairia.
