Churches
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The Chapel of Agios Stefanos Far removed from the main tourist routes, situated on the shores of a quaint little cove, we find the chapel of Agios Stefanos. Even though it has been neglected and forgotten for many years, it survives as a unique example of Byzantine architecture on the Greek islands. Although small in size, it’s design is in accordance with the standard Byzantine church style and includes all the necessary characteristics such as cross shaped roof with a dome, an interior and exterior narthex, three interior compartments, etc.It is located only 10 km from Mandamados, on the Agios Stefanos coast.  The Chapel’s history: The Chapel’s construction is believed to have taken place between 1222 and 1224. Its quite interesting that a chapel dedicated to Agios Stefanos is located so close to the sea, where one would expect a nautical saint to be honored instead. One theory that seeks to explain this apparent paradox is that on one occasion where Saracen pirates attacked the area, they were confronted and chased away by the locals at the site which is known today as Troupia. However, when they attempted to board their ships which they had left at Agios Stefanos, they found that these had been destroyed by the locals, and as such they were trapped and killed. In order to express their thanks for this unexpected victory against the Saracen pirates, the residents of the area erected a chapel in honor of the martyred Agios Stefanos (St. Stephen). Today, aside from the Agios Stefanos Church, there are numerous vacation homes that have been created out of centuries-old converted pottery shacks. The celebration in honor of Agios Stefanos is held every year on August 2nd, and attracts thousands of pilgrims. The saint’s icon is covered with many silver and gold marriage wreaths (“stefana”), as this saint is considered the patron of weddings and several traditional songs that are sung on this holiday attest to this belief. Pelopi The big basilica church of Taxiarches was built in 1834 by the great technician Stratigi Kareko, while its unique stone bell tower was built in 1870. The mosque never got to have a minaret. People say that it would not stay put since the chapel of Agia Marina was opposite it. The stone wellheads that are scattered throughout the village, such as the one of Panagia Livada (Byzantine chapel), built in 1915 by Vassilis Arvanitis from Gelia, give evidence of the local tradition in the art of curving the stone. When climbing the slope of Lepetimnos to reach Profitis Ilias, we encounter the chapel of Aghios Dimitrios, hidden among pine trees. The chapel was recently refurbished with the economic aid of the cultural association “Profitis Ilias”. When looking at Lepetimnos from a distance, once can see on its centre the highest peak, “Vigla”, which is sometimes hidden in the clouds (968 m.) The peak of Ai Lias rises on its west side and on its top lies the chapel which carries its name. The southern part of the mountain is protected from the winds and forms a smooth slope. Its northern part however is almost vertical and forms a steep slope. The path that leads to its top was carved by men, who cut the rocks, created steps and a small flat surface on which stands the chapel of Profitis Ilias. According to his biography, Prophet Ilias was fed by crows. |
