Panagia Protothrone

The Church of Panagia Protothrone is situated in the village of Halki, about 15 km to the southeast of Chora. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as its name implies. It was probably built in the first half of the 9th century. This small church has a unique style of architecture. It has been all washed in white and has only a few red tiles on the roof. Note that this church is one of the earliest churches to have been built in the shape of a cross with a vaulted dome at its top.

The chapel of Agios Akindynos is situated inside the Church of Panagia Protothrone. Five layers of exquisite paintings date from the Early Christian, Middle Byzantine and Late Byzantine periods. A small ecclesiastical museum that includes icons, holy relics, and rare books is found next to this old and charming church, which still functions today as a Christian Orthodox church.