Church of St. Mary of Panagia Katholiki, Afantou, Greece

Church of St. Mary of Panagia Katholiki is a small stone church originally built sometime in the 5th century AD, on the foundations of an early Christian Basilica. Parts of the foundations are still visible today. The church is triune, which means it's dedicated to three holy people or groups of three. In this case it pays homage to the Holy Mother, St. Luke and to the three Prelates.

At some stage before the 8th century, an earthquake struck the island, causing serious damage to many buildings, including this church at Afandou, which completely collapsed. But the inhabitants were determined to replace their favorite place of worship and so in the years that followed, the little church was gradually re-erected. But it was probably not meant to be because it was again leveled during another earthquake that hit the area towards the end of the 8th century. The chapel was patiently and painstakingly reconstructed for the third time.

References:

visitrhodes.com

Religious sites in Greece

Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Trish Barrett (3 years ago)
Well worth a visit. I love this ancient little gem. Respectful awe a prerequisite.

Marek Grzywacz (4 years ago)
Small church from X-XI century with beautiful frescoes from that period.

George Papadopoulos (4 years ago)
Very nice church and restaurant

Sussana Stathi (4 years ago)
Clean and friendly environment and very good food

Patrik Kovac (6 years ago)
Ok

Church of St. Mary of Panagia Katholiki

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