The Church of Parigoritissa is a unique Byzantine monument. Built at the end of the 13th c. (1285 to 1289) on the west side of Peranthi Hill, it is dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary.

The exterior of the church reminds of the style of Italian Renaissance. What is really impressive is the roof of the church with its five domes, the central of which is supported by double columns and gives the impression that it floats in the air.

Visitors should pay attention to the north arch with the fresco of the Birth of Jesus Christ and figures of saints, magi, shepherds, evangelists and prophets.

ITS IMPRESSIVE DOME WITH THE UNIQUE WAY OF SUPPORT MAKES THE BYZANTINE CHURCH OF PANAGIA PARIGORITISSA ONE OF A KIND IN THE WHOLE WORLD. IT IS A 13TH C. CREATION OF KOMNENOS DOUKAS AND IT WAS USED AS A CONVENT.

The size of the church is also impressive; the length of the sides and the height of the nave are more than 20 meters, while its dome has an outside diameter of 7 meters and a height of 3,5 meters.

According to the legend, the master builder and his assistant were quarreling on the roof when they fell off and their bodies turned into the two stones that we see today at the back of the church. Virgin Mary appeared in front of the mother of the young assistant to console her for her loss and that is how the church got its name.

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Visit also

“Epirus Treasures” website of the Region of Epirus