Kythnos Church of Panagia Kanala

Location: Kanala

The beautiful church of Panagia Kanala is located in Kanala village, on top of a hill with a great sea view. It is known for its unique architecture, featuring stone arches, a picturesque atrium, and a beautiful garden surrounding the building. Its construction dates back to 1869, on the site of a Byzantine monastery. 

The name of the church is due to the icon it houses. The icon depicts the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus Christ with Archangel Michael on the left and Archangel Gabriel on the right. It is quite large, being 1 meter high and 0.8 meters wide, and is a work of the Cretan hagiographer and priest Emmanuel Skordilis.

According to local tradition, this icon of the Virgin Mary was discovered by fishermen in the canal between Kythnos and Serifos, hence the name Kanala. As soon as they spotted it, they collected it and took it to their home village, Driopida. Afterward, the Virgin Mary appeared in their dreams and indicated where to build the church to house the icon.

This icon is considered miracle-working and the church of Panagia Kanala draws several pilgrims, especially from the Cyclades. Since it is also the patron saint of the island, a large panigiri is organized every year on August 15th, the day of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, which is a national holiday for Greeks and one of the most important days for Christians in general.

In one of his books, the well-known Greek folklorist Nikolaos Politis mentions how Panagia Kanala, Panagia Stratilatissa and Panagia Flampouriani were three beloved sisters who, not wanting to be separated, built their churches so that they could see one another.

Just a few meters from Panagia Kanala lies the church of Agia Kalliopi, a lovely picturesque chapel, considered one of the most romantic locations on the island.