Église
Panagia Episkopi
Recommandé par 2 habitants,
Conseils des habitants
Nikoleta
December 22, 2020
The oldest Byzantine church of the island, Panagia Episkopi (built in 1115), is the pride of the locals. It was built on the ruins of a 6th century church. Marble pieces from the ruined church were used to build the new one. Stones from Ancient Thira were also used to build the church of Panagia Episkopi. Originally it was the seat of the Orthodox Bishop. Following the 4th crusade the church it passed into the hands of the Catholics (early 13th century). When the Turks conquered Santorini in 1537, Panagia Episkopi returned to the Orthodox. The church is worth visiting not only because of its historical and architectural value, but also because of its picturesque location. It is approximately 10 minutes walking distance to the south from Mesa Gonia. Despite the stormy past: a disastrous fire in 1915, the earthquake in 1956 and theft of most precious icons in 1982, the church is still one of the most important monuments of the island. The one surviving icon from the Byzantine collection, Panagia Glikofilousa, is still in the church’s sanctuary. The church is one of the few of the island that are open for visiting. Remember: Taking photographs with flash is forbidden inside the church! The church is the first one on Santorini built in Greek-cross style, with a central dome. You enter it by the western entrance. The first chamber is narthex. From here you pass to the nave. You are facing the impressing icon-screen (templon). It is an example of keromasticha - marble combined with wax decoration. The icons you see were brought to the church after the old ones had been stolen about 30 years ago. The only one remaining after the robbery can be seen on a side of the nave, covered with glass and under precise humidity control. Some of the marble pieces that were rescued from the previous church are: the central columns, the northern entrance and the architraves. The church interior was decorated with frescoes. Unfortunately, humidity more than the time, caused heavy damages to them. While being on the courtyard of the church devote some time to enjoy the nice view of Kamari and Monolithos, as well as the gorgeous mountain of Prophet Elias to the southwest. On the back of the church is growing a carob tree, the fruits of which are considered a substitute of chocolate, popularly used as donkey food but also to treat diabetes. At the parking area, there is a small sweet-water spring. Springs of sweet water are very scant in Santorini. Do not be mislead - this one collects rain water... No more than 80 m down the street towards Mesa Gonia there is a white church located within a small graveyard, and one more spring of rain water nearby. Here you will find a bench where you can sit and contemplate the surroundings…
The oldest Byzantine church of the island, Panagia Episkopi (built in 1115), is the pride of the locals. It was built on the ruins of a 6th century church. Marble pieces from the ruined church were used to build the new one. Stones from Ancient Thira were also used to build the church of Panagia Ep…
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Emplacement
Thira