Church of Panagia Drosiani

The Church of Panagia Drosiani (Our Lady of the Dew) stands among olive groves in the Tragaia valley on Naxos, between the villages of Moni and Chalki. It is considered one of the oldest and most significant early Christian churches in Greece. Archaeological evidence reveals at least three major construction phases. The foundation dates to the 4th century, when the original structure was likely a Christian oratory or funeral chapel, built as Christianity began taking root on the island. The most significant phase occurred in the 6th-7th century, when the original was expanded into the main church with a triconch plan and a dome, a response to pirate raids requiring fortified inland worship. The oldest and most famous frescoes were painted during this period. A further phase followed in the 12th century.