The Church of Panagia in Anogi, built at an altitude of 500m, is one of the largest and most important and oldest churches in the Balkans. It was built gradually 700 years ago. The interior of the church is of great interest as it covered with Byzantine style frescoes and has been declared by the Ministry of Education a protected historical monument (1959). Painter Anthony of Agrafa (middle of the 17th century) has painted marvelous images of Saints and Angel. He finished his work in 1680.
The Earthquakes of '53
The church was badly damaged in 1953 during the devastating earthquakes of that period. Shortly eafter, it was repaired with the financial help of Mr. Panos Gratseas while Mr. Anastasios Koutsouris renovated and restored all visible frescoes which are arranged in five parallel zones.
The Five hagiographic Zones
- In the first zone there are only decorative images.
- The second zone shows a range of whole body Saints.
- In the third zone there are Saints within a clematis decoration.
- In the fourth zone you will see scenes from the life of the Virgin and the Martyrs of the church.
- In the fifth and last zone, which is cut in half by a metal ceiling which was installed in 1910, the painter portrays scenes from the life of Christ.
On the whole the frescoes are drawn based on the style of Epirus, with influences from the Cretan school and perhaps from the famous Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna churches.
The Old Cathedral of the island
The Byzantine temple murals highlight the culture of Ithaca, a hundred years after the naval battle of Naupactus (1571) back when Anogi was the capital of Ithaca and the Church of Panagia was the Cathedral of the island.
The Inscription
The inscription is historical evidence of the age of the Church.
Noticeable for visitors are the wooden door, the clay pots specially arranged for the acoustics of the church and the old stone monuments and the two-storey zenana.
The Venetian church bell tower, symbol of the village and a pilgrimage site, is still beautiful and imposing as it has always been. The Assumption is celebrated on August 15th every year.
Source: Municipality of Ithaca Website
