Church Of Zoodochos Pigi, Samarina

Highlights

Every year, on the Friday of the feast (after Easter), in the church is celebrated the Divine Liturgy*. It is a first-class opportunity to visit the interior since you will usually find it closed. * The Divine Liturgy is the leading devotional event of Christian churches

Hidden in an olive grove northwest of Androusa,in a short distance from the village Kalogeroraxi,you will find this Byzantine church.

Its construction dates back to the 12th century, probably upon the ruins of an ancient temple, while the bell tower is considered Frankish since it is of a later century (13th century.).The temple was probably part of a katholikon/ catholicon* of a largest monastery,as the name of Samarina is probably due to a typical case of speech corruption, as it is transferred from mouth to mouth, of the Latin Santa Maria.

Inside,you may find unique frescoes(mural,wall paintings) with the more characteristic of them ,being the representations of the life of Christ. Of great importance is the marble templum and the two Icon cases**,which testify to the technical skills of the artists of that time.

It may be isolated to visit, but if you decide to take this small detour you will see with your own eyes, that it is not considered by chance, one of the most beautiful Byzantine monuments of the entire Peloponnese.

katholikon/ catholicon: The name derives from the fact that it is (usually) the largest church where all gather together to celebrate, certain important feasts.
Icon case:An icon case or kiot) is a decorated case (usually foldable) or glass shelf for keeping and displaying religious icons.