| Santorini Churches |
Panagia Episkopi Panagia Episkopi is a very beautiful Byzantine church, located in the village Mesa Gonia (also know as Episkopi Gonia). It is a great example of typical Cycladic ecclesiastical architecture. Built in the 11th Century by Emperor Alexios A' Komninos, Panagia Episkopi is dedicated to Virgin Mary (Panagia=Virgin Mary in Greek), it is a very important monument of that era and still houses the icon of Panagia Glikofilousa, one of the most valuable icons in Greece. The invasions of Venetians, Francs, Russians and Turks did not reach Panagia Episkopi all over the centuries. Not only it withstood all those invasions, but Panagia Episkopi also withstood the catastrophic earthquake of 1956. You can still admire lots of nice Byzantine paintings and icons, although you should know that in 1982 26 of the finest works were stolen and never be found. Santorini's Cathedral “Ipapanti tou Sotiros” It is located in Fira, right in front of the cliffs of Caldera facing the volcano. It was built in 1827 (it was known as “Panagia tou Belonia”, from the name of its owner at that time), but it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1956. It was restored afterwards and the nice frescoes works have been made by the local artist Mr. Asimis Christoforos. Tip : If you plan to have your wedding in Santorini, the Cathedral is great choice for many reasons: It's large enough to host even populous wedding ceremonies, it's located at the centre of Fira and faces the caldera and the volcano! You can have amazing pictures in front of the sunset after the ceremony... Theotokaki Outside the village of Pyrgos, on the road to the Mountain Prophitis Elias, you can see the church “Theotokaki”, one of the oldest churches of Santorini. Built in the 10th century it features a nice woodcut temple and many old Byzantine icons. Hint : Just next to the Theotokaki there's a nice old cobbled narrow street leading to the top of the mountain. Recommended route for those seeking the alternative side of Santorini! Panagia ton Isodion Located in Megalochori, Panagia ton Isodion is a church of work-of-art architecture with a woodcut temple, many portable icons of Russian ecclesiastical art (from Odessus) and also an elaborate “calendar” with 356 miniatures of Saints, equal to the days of a year. |
