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

Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

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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