St Paul’s Bay
7 Ιουλίου 2021
Byzantine Church Lindos
7 Ιουλίου 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 barrel-vaulted ceiling and dome are decorated with additional magnificent paintings by the renowned Gregorios of Symi, which date back to 1779 and show icons of Mary, Jesus, and the saints. As guests turn to the rear of the church and go out, a large multicoloured fresco erupts with the narrative of The Last Judgment over the entryway. In the orange and crimson fires of hell, pale twisted corpses writhe together.
On the western entrance of the church, there is a device of Grand Master D'Aubusson, as well as an inscription with the years 1489/90, the dates of the modifications made to the structure.
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