Panaghia (Virgin Mary)
Taking the steep winding path that starts at Pounta Square you arrive at the church of the Panaghia where you can admire the icon, emblem of the island, considered miraculous by locals.

The present church is of the beginning of the 19th century but it’s built on an older one as informs the marble inscription built into the wall to the right of the entrance. It is possible that there had reviously existed an ancient temple devoted to Apollo and Artemis on the site. In the yard there is a base of roman sculpture and in the bell-tower a roman sculpture body of marble. Also, the altar stone is lain on a sculpture base.

The silver thread icon of the Panaghia (Odigitria – Conductress, one of the Virgin’s many titles) which according to tradition is miraculous, is connected to many stories about pirate assaults. The custom of the procession of the icon from house to house all over the island in Easter is related to the merciful intervention of the Panaghia.

According to a legend, on 1st May 1790, 18 Algerian pirate ships showed up underneath Pounta square. The inhabitants ran uphills to the church to seek protection. After praying they took the icon of the Panaghia out to the cliff’s edge and asked for salvation. A sudden storm erupted that pushed the pirate ships against the rocks destroying them. Everybody drowned except for one prisoner who happened to be a Christian. He managed to swim ashore and when he met the locals he said that he had seen a big thunder coming from the cliff and striking the ships. The incident was thought of as a miracle of the Panaghia and 1st May is ever after considered a big fest for Folegandros.

Stavros
Leaving the square of Pounta and heading towards the centre of Hora you see the church of Stavros.

Theoskepasti and Aghia Aikaterini-Aghios Fanourios are the churches you can see in Piatsa Square close to the restaurants of “Kritikos” and “Chique”.

Aghios Nikolaos is Hora’s parish church and has a service every Sunday. On Aghios Nikolaos day (6/12) a procession is held and a fair with treats takes place.

Aghios Antonios is next to Aghia Aikaterini. It is facing the adjacent square, that of “Melissa” and “Piatsa” restaurants.

Pantanassa is on the Western edge of Kastro. It has a remarkable wooden curved sanctuary of the 18th century.

Zoodochos Pigi (Chrysopigi)
Chrysopigi is further out Ano Meria but it can be reached by car or moto. Soon after you pass the road to Aghios Georghios beach on your right hand, you’ll see the church opposite to the old watch-house (built by Italians during the Second World War). The view is unique at sunset.

Aghios Georghios is the parish church of Ano Meria, having a service every Sunday. It was built in the beginning of the 20th century.

Aghios Panteleimonas
After the end of Ano Meria and on the footpath to Ampeli beach you will find the church of Aghios Panteleimonas. If you happen to be there early in the evening you can enjoy a wonderful sunset.

Aghios Andreas is next to the “Synantisi” restaurant and where the footpath to Aghios Georghios beach starts.