KASOS TRAVEL GUIDE

KASOS > CHURCHES & MONASTERIES

CHURCHES & MONASTERIES

Kasian people are distinguished for their deep religious feeling. This is shown by the fact that, not only in their participation at religious occasions, but also by the numerous churches and monasteries that have been built all over the island.

The grandest churches are to be found in the larger villages where they were built in magnificent fashion at the second half of 19th century when the Kasian shipping trade dominated in the Aegean Sea and was also one of the most important in the Mediterranean.

Saint Spiridonas at Fri is the patron saint of the island. The four semi-cylindrical domes that house it, along with its beautiful iconography on the inside are unique characteristics of the church.

“Panagia tou Emporeiou” is built on the ruins of an Early Christian church, from which the pillars and the baptistery have been saved.

In Agia Marina there is the church of Saint Marina, that celebrates on 17th July. The feast of Saint Marina is one of the most important religious and social events of the summer.

The protector of Arvanitoxori is Saint Dimitrios. It is the very tall belfry which stands out for its beautiful architecture.

The Church of the Assumption at Pera Panagia is adorned with a masterpiece, a wood carved temple, while on its name day, 15th August, it is an important place for all the inhabitants of the island.

The six churches at Panagia village are also important. According to legend the churches were built to exorcise six fairies that were once present in the area, and the churches were dedicated to six different saints.

Among the churches and the monasteries of the island Saint Giorgis at Hadies is distinguished, not so much for its aesthetics, but for the deep devotion Kasians have for the Saint. They have Saint Giorgis as their protector, as there are countless reports for his admirable interventions, for treatments to ill people or for rescuing people in danger.

The church of “Panagia tis Potamitissas” is also special. It’s located next to the riverbed of “Skilas”, as it’s a cave modified into a church. According to the tradition, this was a desire of Virgin Mary, who “told” to the shepherd who found her picture at that particular area, not to build the entrance of the church till above, for unspecified up to now reason.

On Kasos island there are 102 churches and monasteries, some of which have magnificent view of the sea, testifying the need of seamen and their relatives for appealing of Divine Help.The dawn at Saint Kiriaki is a scene of rare beauty, while in front of Saint Mamas unfolds the vastness of Libean Sea. Every church a sign of devotion and return, from people with grateful hearts.