St Paul’s Bay
7 July 2021
Byzantine Church Lindos
7 July 2021
The church of Panagia (Our Lady) is an exquisite sight and an essential stop for all travelers, located on the left of the road leading up to the Acropolis at Lindos, only a few of minutes walk from the main plaza into the labyrinth of Lindos alleyways. This ancient church, surrounded by high walls and a tiny courtyard, was constructed in 1300 but has since undergone many restorations. The most notable was ordered by Grand Master Pierre d'Aubusson (1476 to 1503) of the Knights of Rhodes (Order of St. John), and the most current is from 1927, during the Italian rule of the island.
Heavenly designed
The high-rise, stone-built campanile tower, characteristic of Rhodian (and Dodecanese) churches, is its most noteworthy exterior feature. The main structure features a cross-shaped floorplan with an octagonal dome on top, whitewashed walls, and a red byzantine tile roof. The inside pavement is covered with a well constructed pebble mosaic (hohlaki), which is common in Rhodian traditional architecture. There is a highly adorned and magnificently carved wooden iconostasis and a Bishop's seat in the front, with a huge bronze tiered candle chandelier hanging above. The beauty of the 19th century wall paintings portraying biblical themes will amaze visitors.
The History of the Church
Constructed in the mesmerizing free cross style of the 13th century and crowned with a grand dome that towers over the town, the Dormition Church stands on ancient sacred ground, previously home to an older sanctuary. Be captivated by the timeless marble works reflecting its storied past.
The 15th century welcomed the attachment of a Gothic-infused porch, acting gracefully as the church's entry chamber. Inscriptions commemorate the local Lindians' heartfelt contributions to the church's structure, while a pair of stunning marble seats, repurposed from age-old funeral monuments, greet visitors—a privilege once exclusive to high-ranking clergy.
A significant belfry on the southern porch captures attention, symbolizing the historical footprints left by Pierre d'Aubusson, the Grand Master of the Knights of Saint John, and Commander Jacques Aymer de la Chevalerie. Their crests highlight the 1489 refurbishment of the Dormition Church, financially supported by their kindness. The replacement of the older belfry continues to rally the community for worship in modern times.
Through the north entrance lies the sepulchral chapel, the eternal abode for venerated individuals including the priest George, among other prominent Lindians. This chapel safeguards divine frescoes depicting sacred figures, a testament to the 1675 contributions of Lindos' nautical fraternity.
Witness the elaborate 17th-century wooden altarscreen, with Saints and Prophets exquisitely crafted at its foot. Iconic Orthodox scenes reach their zenith in the awe-inspiring Deesis, flanked by the poignant depiction of the crucifixion.
The 18th century brought more splendor to the church—a lavishly designed bishop’s seat and lectern, testimonials to the locals' veneration and artistic legacy of that period. Further beautify the interior is an intricate pebbled mosaic flooring, echoing the prayers of countless generations.
The eastern end of the sanctuary vibrates with the Bema's lively sacred paintings, including the Holy Trinity and the Apostles' Communion, creating a heavenly scene behind the altar. The dome's zenith boasts the Pantocrator surrounded by Angels and Old Testament Prophets, as the four Evangelists maintain their solemn vigil at the base of the dome.
Each segment of the interior narrates a part of the celestial saga, with icons of Saints and scriptural vignettes adorning the walls and arches. These detailed visual canticles guide the observer to the breathtaking vision of Judgment Day, evoking an omnipresent sense of the divine within these sacrosanct confines.
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