More than a thousand chapels dot the landscape of the Greek island of Tinos, each meticulously cared for by the ordinary families who have owned them for centuries. This rare and enduring tradition sees simple, room-sized stone structures, often whitewashed and topped with miniature bell towers, painstakingly maintained across generations.
The custodians of these private chapels are a diverse group, spanning from octogenarians to members of Generation Z, and from goat farmers to hotel owners. Both Orthodox Christians and Catholics, alongside those who identify as de facto atheists, share a common, unwavering commitment to preserving these diminutive churches built by their ancestors. This dedication culminates in a vibrant liturgical and community celebration known as panigiri, held around the feast day of the Virgin Mary or the specific saint honoured by each chapel.
