The Church of Panagia Portiani, in the center of Zephyria, is the old metropolis of the island. It is united with the nearby church of Saint Charalambos. The name "Portiani" (from “πόρτα” which means “door” in Greek) is probably linked to the castle gate which was near the temple. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in the 18th century (during the Turkish occupation) and the church was deserted. In 1864 the painting of Panagia Portiani, as well as other paintings and items of the rich interior decoration of the Church were transferred to the new church of the Assumption (or St. Charalambos) in Adamantas.
The Church of Panagia Portiani is an important monument which is protected by the Ministry of Culture
