The Church of Panagia Gremiotissa, which in Greek means Virgin of the steep cliff, is in the most important of the island of Ios. Located at the highest point of the delightful village of Chora surrounded by ancient remains, in a dominant position, from which you can admire an incredible panoramic view of the town, with its pretty harbor, to the nearby island of Sikinos.
Thanks to this magnificent view, the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa has become the symbol of Ios, immortalized in thousands of photographic shots by the many tourists who visit this magnificent island every year.
What the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa looks like
It is a graceful church built in the Cycladic style, with whitewashed external walls, topped with a characteristic blue dome and a tall bell tower also blue, with a white cross on top, which stands out on the panorama of the town.
Its simple and linear architecture makes this church a typical example of a Greek Orthodox sacred building.
The history of the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa
The building was built in 1797 and the history of its construction is truly unique and fascinating. According to tradition, in fact most of the sacred buildings dedicated to the Virgin Mary were built in the places where icons representing her were found. And even in this case, it would have been the Virgin who decided where to build the church, which would then keep the sacred icon.
It is said that the icon of Panagia Gremiotissa had arrived in Ios from Crete and that, to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Turks, it had been hidden right at the highest point of Chora, where the church stands today. Due to the inconvenience of the place, the inhabitants decided to build the building in more accessible areas of the island, but the icon of the Virgin disappeared as if by magic from the church and then reappeared in the inaccessible place where it was found. The islanders therefore understood that this was the place chosen by Maria and decided to build the church there.
How to get to the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa
Reaching the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa from the capital of Ios is very easy and fast. Just with a pleasant walk, walk the path that climbs from the first church below, until you pass the other three placed in a higher position. The sensations that you will experience during the journey and once you reach the top will be truly unforgettable.
You will recognize it first because it is the church located higher in the village of Chora and then by the two unmistakable palm trees that are next to the building.
The beauty of the place, the extraordinary view and the magical atmosphere that you can breathe alone are worth the climb to the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa. And if you arrive in the late afternoon, maybe after a day of sea and sun, you can admire an unforgettable sunset over the sea ..
Whether you love sacred buildings or not, we advise you not to miss the Church of Panagia Gremiotissa, even just to take a panoramic photo of the beautiful island of Ios.