Ios Panagia Gremiotissa

Location: Chora

The church of Panagia Gremiotissa in Ios Cyclades: On top of a hill above Chora, the capital of Ios, stands a small church dedicated to Panagia Gremiotissa, the saint protector of the island. The name in Greek means Virgin Mary of the Steep Cliff, probably because of the location of the church. With a blue dome, white walls and tall bell tower, this church distinguishes for the palm tree that stands right next to it, this is why it can be seen from every part of Chora.

The church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin and celebrates on August 15th. It was built in 1797 A.D. and its location offers an amazing view to the white houses of the town, the port, and the blue Aegean Sea. Three other churches stand on the same hill.