Panagia Drossiani Church
Panagia Drossiani Church
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
97 reviews
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Joe V
London100 contributions
Jun 2017
Ok, so we're standing in awe as we walk through the main chamber of the tiny Byzantine church, Panagia Drossiani, tucked away high in the mountains over Naxos town on the Greek island of, yes, you guessed it, Naxos. Words escape me. This is no great Cathedral - the exact opposite, really. Yet it is serene, and you can understand completely why it has attracted Christians for centuries. If you believe in God, you will feel His presence here.
The loudest sound is prayers of the faithful, offered silently over the 1610 years since its founding in 407ad. The mood of the few visitors is reverent, respectful. Anyone would be moved by the faded 'new' depictions of Christ, a mere 500 years old.
Then, in walks an American couple, maybe in their early 60s. Using a loud outdoor voice, oblivious to those around them, male of the pair proclaims, "gee, this is awesome!," as though admiring a new display at Epcot. All present avert their eyes or cringe at the disrespect. They ignore the signs posted everywhere - and the elderly Greek caretaker - that photography is forbidden until I point out their mistake. Everyone gets embarrassed by their uncouth fellow countrymen and women who show little cultural awareness, but * sigh * please be understand and remember when you visit Panagia Drossiani that this is a place of worship, not simply a tourist destination.
The loudest sound is prayers of the faithful, offered silently over the 1610 years since its founding in 407ad. The mood of the few visitors is reverent, respectful. Anyone would be moved by the faded 'new' depictions of Christ, a mere 500 years old.
Then, in walks an American couple, maybe in their early 60s. Using a loud outdoor voice, oblivious to those around them, male of the pair proclaims, "gee, this is awesome!," as though admiring a new display at Epcot. All present avert their eyes or cringe at the disrespect. They ignore the signs posted everywhere - and the elderly Greek caretaker - that photography is forbidden until I point out their mistake. Everyone gets embarrassed by their uncouth fellow countrymen and women who show little cultural awareness, but * sigh * please be understand and remember when you visit Panagia Drossiani that this is a place of worship, not simply a tourist destination.
Written June 27, 2017
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.
elympos
Europe405 contributions
Aug 2012 • Solo
On the road that connects Chalkeio with Kinidaros and just before the village Moni is Panagia Drosiani. If it is on your way, is worth to have a few-minutes stop, to admire one of the oldest Christian churches of the Balkans. There is a sign on a turn which points out the location, so be aware! I wasn't lucky to get into to the church, but you should get into the yard and take a walk around the chapels. The earthly raw materials fit completely with the surrounding environment, being a part of it and not impose on it.
Written November 16, 2012
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.
Vicky M
Angels Camp, CA42 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
A really fun step back into religious history in a small chapel that feels lucky to be standing. The interior ceiling and walls are fascinating. A good stop on our tour
Written November 7, 2019
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.
Olga P
Athens, Greece262 contributions
Sep 2019
This is one of the earliest churches in Europe. The wall paintings reflect early Christian disputes and are well worth seeing.
Written September 28, 2019
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.
Uniqueoutlook
Toronto, Canada193 contributions
Sep 2019
I thought that Agios Georgios Diasoritis was far superior for wall paintings and generally would say it wasn't worth going out of your way to visit.
Written September 15, 2019
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.
karenponholiday
Chepstow, UK172 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
With many of the churches we visited being closed it was a pleasant surprise that this peaceful and lovely church was open. The oldest part is the main alter which had some stunning but faded wall paintings of saints and even a horse. The 2 parts that lead off were added slightly later (5th century)and the latest addition of the main part and entrance area was i think 7th century.
It was free to enter and there was a box for donations. The surrounding area was very pretty was many flowers in bloom in May.. i have attached a pic right outside the church if the flowers and a couple of the church itself. A simple church but beautiful because it was so.
It was free to enter and there was a box for donations. The surrounding area was very pretty was many flowers in bloom in May.. i have attached a pic right outside the church if the flowers and a couple of the church itself. A simple church but beautiful because it was so.
Written May 4, 2019
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.
CLY_1013
Washington DC, DC37 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
I think Panagia Drossiani is definitely a "must do" for your drive through Naxos! Sections of this church were built in the 4th Century, and it is so different from many of the other sites on the island.
Written June 23, 2015
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.
mariha2912
Delphi,Greece6,809 contributions
This is a very old church (6th century). Approaching the village of Moni from the south, you have to stop, try to park your vehicle at the edge of the road and climb up 10 steps to reach it. Please note these stairs are on a blind curve of the road, there is no sign in advance stating you approach the place, only a sign exactly when you've make it to the point. So be carefull when driving...
As I said, this is a very old church. Most of the frescos are fading, you can just make out what they should have been like. There are a couple of interesting old icons, and that;s it. Church is small, but on my point of view much nicer to see outside than inside. If you have no special interest in early christian architecture or something, I think 5-10 minutes in this site are more than enough. Please be respectful as this is a religious site for many people, and Moni's cemetery is located on the same place.
As I said, this is a very old church. Most of the frescos are fading, you can just make out what they should have been like. There are a couple of interesting old icons, and that;s it. Church is small, but on my point of view much nicer to see outside than inside. If you have no special interest in early christian architecture or something, I think 5-10 minutes in this site are more than enough. Please be respectful as this is a religious site for many people, and Moni's cemetery is located on the same place.
Written September 24, 2009
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.
David A
Boston, UK135 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
This church is different from any other which I have seen in Greece. The reason is of course that is very old indeed. It was built in the 6th century and is one of the oldest churches in the Balkans.The name means the Church of our lady Drossiani. The frescoes or wall paintings are very different from those found in the more modern Orthodox churches. The church has obviously been extended many times with side chapels added ad odd angles. Well worth visiting.
Written March 7, 2019
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.
J0nnyAppleseed
London, UK109 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
this is one of the most interesting and thought provoking churches i’ve ever seen. it’s old - very old - so don’t expect something very well preserved and shiny. but considering parts of the church are from the 4th century , and you can clearly see the very birth of a new “christian architecture” before your eyes ... this rough and imperfect structure is really special. very moving. the frescoes are from the 5th century - supposedly some of the oldest in all Europe. don’t miss.
Written August 26, 2018
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.
γιατι δεν βρισκω την μονη της αργοκοιλουσας?
Written May 28, 2017
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