The Church of the Twelve Apostles in Parga

Parga has a large number of churches. It is likely that the great number of invasions and attacks the town received encouraged the inhabitants to turn to religion and the security this offers. The churches outside the town had gun ports for defensive purposes.

To the west of the city, at Cape Heladio, lies the Monastery of Vlaherna, an impressive building from the Byzantine era with a tall bell-tower which, according to tradition, had nine bells which could be heard from 12 miles away when they rang. Other churches in the town which are worthy of mention are: the church of Agios Nikolaos (patron saint of Parga), which is the largest church in the town; the church of Agia Eleni (on the hill of Agia Eleni); the church of Agios Athanasios (Kryoneri); the church of Agios Sostis (Agios Sostis – on the coast); the church of Agia Marina; the church of the Panagia (on the Isle of the Panagia); the church of Agios Nikolaos (at Haliopoulo); the church of Agios Nikolas (at Monolithos); the church of the Twelve Apostles where the Holy Relics of Parga are kept (the holy banner, gospels, icons and vessels); and the church of Agios Spyridon (at Valtos).