Holy Paleochristian Church of Panagia Drosiani (6th century) — Attraction in Municipality of Naxos and the Lesser Cyclades

We travelled a long way to visit this important monument and, specifically, to see the interior of the church. It was 24th October and one of us was celebrating the 14th anniversary of his baptism into the Orthodox Church. We were assured by all online information as well as our hotel staff and local drivers and car hire rep that the Church would certainly be open from 11 am till mid afternoon. The Church was firmly closed and the sweet and helpful elderly lady selling hand-woven fabric told us that the woman responsible for the keys had decided a few days ago that it wasn’t worth her while to be there as the tourist season had ended. She even called the key-keeper’s family on the mobile to be told that the woman would not be coming down from the nearby village. In the short period we were there to walk around this unusual and beautiful ancient church, there were at least 20 tourists who had made the journey like we had and were as disappointed. We have been coming to Greece for almost 40 years and are used to the rather cavalier attitude to opening times of the sites. We hoped that in this case greater consideration would be paid to visitors who have travelled a long way to a place of such national, international and religious importance. However, we are aware of how vulnerable open churches are to theft and vandalism. My Orthodox partner also raised the question of the vibrancy of Orthodox life when churches are only opened for the height of the tourist season. Food...

We have been very disapointed of this church. Indeed you can see the 5/6 century design and it makes something to visit such antique site. But when we wanted to enter, a lady, maybe sister asked us to give something to the church otherwise we couldn’t visit it. We would have given something but allowing the acces to a Place of worship just if you pay is not respectful (it is just my opinion). I just remind that the initial function of a church is to pray and not to be a profitable...

One of Naxos’ oldest churches, and part of an old monastery. A very interesting history with some surviving icons that date from before the period of Iconoclasm, when the Byzantium turned against the making of icons and destroyed many existing ones.

3 stars for the woman at the entrance demanding a “donation” for entry… I did not have any money with me and she made me exit so I could not see inside the church. The Naxos tourism website says...