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CHURCHES & MONASTERIES

Churches and Monasteries in Kos Island

In the devastated Old Pyli, which is found on a rise in the southeast of the village, in an exceptional natural environment there are three churches, Saint Antonios, the Seneschals and Virgin Mary (Ypapanti), that constituted the "Abbey of Kastrianon" founded by Saint Christodoulos. Of these three churches, Ypapanti is the most interesting as the remains of iconography dating back to the14th century have been preserved, a carved wooden chancel screen and ancient kiones that were obviously transported from the holy temple of Dimitra.

In Mastichari there are relics of an Early Christian basilica of the 5th century with exceptionally preserved mosaics that cover a surface of roughly 400 m.

In Antimacheia in the Medieval Castle two post Byzantine churches are maintained.

In Asfendioy is the Holy Order of Angels dating from the 11th century with an elaborate chancel screen as well as the Early Christian basilica of Saint Paul outside the village. On the top of Justice Hill - called "Oromedon" in antiquity – there is the small Church of Christ which has a splendid view.

In Lagoydi particularly graphic is the church of Saint Ioannis the Theologian built between rocks.

In Kardamaina there is an Early Christian church built for Saint Theotitas. Finally, there are many remarkable churches in the region of Kefalou such as the ruins of the Early Christian Saint Stefanos with its mosaic floorings that date back to the 6th century. Others include the Virgin Mary Palatiani, the Virgin Mary Ziniotissa, Saint of Mamas, Saint Theologos and Saint Ioannis, all with exceptional views of their surroundings and the sea.