Paleochristian Church of Panagia Drosiani (6th c.)

"The Church of Panagia Drossiani is the oldest Christian church of Naxos. Located near Moni, it is considered one of the most important Byzantine churches and, therefore, is of immense historical significance. Drossiani translates into Dewy, and two hypotheses explain the church's name. The first states that it was named after the location where it is built, called Drossia. Others believe that the name refers to the icon of the church seeping (or weeping) every time the village is in danger, hence the name Dewy Virgin. The church dates back to the end of the 6th century A.D. It is full of rare paintings and offers a beautiful view of the Tragea valley. The dome depicts Almighty Jesus Christ. In front of the altar, on the right side, you will see Saint George on a horse with a little boy sitting behind him carrying water. The initial iconostasis was made of marble. However, when that was pulled down, a wooden one was found behind, made of a heavy kind of wood - maybe chestnut. The church boasts a lovely courtyard which also houses the regional cemetery. Every year on Good Friday during the mid-day, the church bustles with locals from the village of Moni, celebrating an old tradition of offering strong alcohol, raki, and bread with raisins and nuts to all the guests."

"Though the island of Naxos has 0ver 100 Christian churches and chapels, Panagia Drosiani is the oldest and most special. The church is around 1500 years old and is one of the country’s most important Byzantine sites. It features some of the oldest paintings and Byzantine artwork in the Balkans, some of which date to the 6th century AD. The name Panagia Drosiani means the church of the Dewy Virgin. The site is said to have been blessed with plentiful water and a cool and pleasant atmosphere. The church has a unique architecture that includes bare stone walls and domed roofs, one of which contains an early fresco of Jesus Christ. There are a number of local legends surrounding the church’s icons, including an image of the Panagia Drosiani that is said to weep each time the village is in danger. Visitors can find this old and uniquely fascinating church in the village of Moni. While there take the time to enjoy the views of the nearby valley of Tragea as well as this beautiful and very old place. Hours: 11 AM–6 PM"

"This Byzantine site is of huge religious importance to the Greeks. It’s built from thousands of small, overlapping stones with gently curving walls and topped with domes that, seen from above, form the shape of the cross. Inside, many ancient murals—some of which date as far back as the seventh century—are still visible."