Panagia Ethia

The Panagia Church (meaning “All-Holy Virgin Mary”) is a notable religious landmark located in the village of Ethia, in the Asterousia mountains of southern Crete, about 55 km south of Heraklion. Ethia is known for its traditional architecture and scenic mountain setting.

The church was built in 1909 and is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. According to local legend, the villagers constructed the church in just one day after the local Ottoman ruler (Pascha) refused to grant them more time for building. This story highlights the strong community spirit of the village.

Today, the Panagia Church serves not only as a spiritual center for the residents of Ethia but also as a cultural symbol attracting visitors interested in religious heritage and traditional Cretan mountain villages.