Greece is a beautiful country which is known for its culture, artistic influence, political contributions and religious significance. It is an independent country. It is recorded that around 98% of the population in Greece are known to be belonging to the Orthodox Church. You can also find Jews, Muslims and Roman Catholics in Greece, who comprise the rest of the population. Greece, like Russia, consists of such huge population of Orthodox Christians. The country is a very religious country and people are engrossed in profound religious matters. The faith in the religion is evident from the number of churches that are present in the country. You can find them everywhere, be it on the hills, in the recreational parks, or on the streets. The people express their gratitude to the Almighty in every way that they can. Religion and faith are an integral part of every Greek’s life.
Some of the major and most popular Churches in Greece are worth mentioning:
- The Church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani in Paros
This Church is situated in Paros. It is considered to be one of the finest and earliest of the Byzantine Churches in Greece. It is said that this particular Church was constructed on the orders of St.Helene, the mother of Constantine. This Church inspires a lot of faith in the hearts of the pilgrims and people flock to see them every year.
- The Monastery of Saint John in Patmos
This Monastery is considered to be built during the medieval period. It was constructed to get rid of the pirates. It is located in the Dodecanese and situated on the island of Patmos. The first thing that you will notice is that it looks like a fortress. This Monastery is famous for another reason. Saint John wrote his ‘Book of the Apocalypse’ (The Revelation), which is the last book of the Bible, in this Monastery.
- Meteora and the hilltop monasteries
These are located in some areas of Thessaly. These are considered to be the most attractive places in Greece. The monasteries of Meteora are actually the most striking features of Greece. Nobody misses them.
- The region of Agios Oros or Mount Athos
Mount Athos is located in Halkidiki. Agios Oros is the easternmost peninsula of Halkidiki. It is known to be an autonomous state. The state consists of around twenty monasteries. The monks dwell in caves and they are very Orthodox. Women are generally not allowed to enter the Monastery while men need to seek special permission to access the Churches.
- The Church of Megalochari in Tinos
Megalochari is located in the island of Tinos. This Church is known to be the ‘protector of Greece’. The church was constructed on the top of a hill. This is the same place where people found the icon of Virgin Mary. The icon of Virgin Mary is supposed to possess super powers and that is the reason why several followers and pilgrims flock to Tinos, every year, to express their religious faith and gratitude. In order to show the reverence, the pilgrims go on their knees from the entrance till the church.
- The Church of the Holy Apostles
This Church was built by St. Paul in the 11th century. St. Paul used to preach in the region of Agora, Athens. This Church is a real attraction for the tourists and pilgrims as it is characterised by beautiful architecture and frescos inside the premises. If you visit to Greece make it a point that you visit this place. As this church cannot be missed at all
- The Church of Agios Nikolaos
The Church is located in the capital of Aegina. It is a small church present in Agios Nikolaos. The most striking feature of the Church is a white dome, which stands out and thus, people can locate it easily from a distance. The wall painting and the décor inside the Church are worth noticing and the Cycladic architecture is unmistakable.
- The Church of Agia Marva
You can find this Church in Maherado village. Zakynthos Island is famous for Churches and this is one of the most famous Churches of the island. The fresco work of the famous Greek artists and the Venetian architecture make the Church wonderful and attractive. Thus many people from all over the world visit this place to look at the beautiful church in Greece
- If you plan to visit the city of Chania then you can definitely go and see the Cathedral of Chania, the Church of the Isodion and the Church of the Trimartiris. They have gained importance with time.
Greece churches have the passionate character, which can charm everybody, even non Christians. Orthodox churches are been characterised by the particular domed architecture as well as high decorated interiors. Architecture generally depends on construction time and area of this church. For instance, churches situated in Cyclades have the particular style: the white with the blue painted domes while in other areas, churches have a lot of earthy colours. Common fact is that the churches in Aegean islands have Cycladic style, The churches in Ionian islands are influenced by Venetian/ Renaissance style & churches in mainland is constructed in Byzantine style. And Greece has a lot of attractions for visitor, particularly one interested in the religious history. Te Ancient Greek artifacts and temples abound, as ancient biblical sites, the domed Byzantine churches as well as Greek Orthodox monasteries. Jewish museums, Synagogues, as well as Turkish mosques as well testify to rich diversity of the Greece’s culture throughout the turbulent history. Besides these attractions, Greece gives travelers renowned beaches, lively and traditional culture, spectacular scenery, as well as delicious Mediterranean food. This is one of the best place that you can visit. Greece has some amazing churches that you can explore when you are in Greece. The wonderful monuments that rest from a very long time is a perfect place to stay calm and stress free.