Porta Panagia Church
Πόρτα Παναγιά
A 13th-century Byzantine church in the town of Pyli, famous for its exquisite mosaic icons, located at the exit of the Portaikos Gorge.
Porta Panagia lies outside the town of Pyli, about 30 km south of Kalambaka. Built in 1283 by a member of the ruling family of the Despotate of Epirus, it is one of Thessaly's most important Byzantine buildings. Inside are two precious mosaic icons, one of Christ and one of the Virgin holding the Christ Child, along with frescoes from the 13th to 16th centuries. The church sits where the Portaikos River leaves its gorge, surrounded by lush trees, and can be visited together with the nearby Old Bridge of Pyli. Opening hours are irregular, but a caretaker is generally present. Dress modestly when entering. It is about 40 minutes' drive, and can be combined with Trikala for a half-day trip.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00-15:00 (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Old Bridge of Pyli (Agios Vissarion Bridge)
- Mill of Elves
- Trikala Old Town & Fortress
- Theopetra Cave
- Natural History Museum of Meteora & Mushroom Museum
- Kalambaka
- Church of the Dormition, Kalambaka
- Badovas Hermit Caves