and Panagia Myrtidiotissa, also known as ‘Panagia Ktitikia’.
There is another important church, the one of Panagia Hrisafitissa, around which many folk-stories have been based on.
The churches of Agios Dimitrios, Agia Anna, Agios Andreas and Agios Stefanos also worth the visit. However, the most impressive architecture example of Monemvasia is maybe the church of Agia Sofia, found on the eastern tip of the rock where Monemvasia stands.
First of all, it is an octagonal church, remaining those of Dafni and Osios Loukas. Its double
arch, found on the southern side, resembles the churches of Mistras. |
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In this period, its wall paintings were covered with lime, in spite of which the building has
managed to keep its original charm and magnificence. In fact, its interior remains impressive, and still has some great wall paintings. This church also provides amazing views towards the sea.
Another important church, because of its imposing size is the one of Elkomenos Hristos, which is actually the cathedral of this town. It dates from the 13th century, and was built by the Emperor Andronicos II Paleologus.
However, the Venetians were the ones who gave it the appearance we see today. One of the most remarkable facts of this building, apart from its elaborated architecture, is that it used to host the famous picture of Christ
Elkomenos –meaning ‘Christ dragged to the cross’- which has been taken to Constantinople.
Today, a picture with the same subject, dating from the 18th century and coming from the Ionian islands can be found in its place.
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this case by the chimneys facing east and the beautiful balconies overlooking the sea. Other type of architecture can be seen on the Rock of Monemvasia.
The city was fortified with walls during the Byzantine occupation, in spite of which they fell to Franks in 1248. In fact, there are remains of these walls, along with guardhouses, towers, and large water cisterns.
The ancient city of Monemvasia offers a wide range of important buildings where to appreciate the elaborated constructions of the Venetian and Byzantine times. As its houses are also related to this type of architecture, the new buildings are built with the same style as the older structures to maintain the unique look of the town.
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