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Three cross-shaped churches in the region of Vonitsa

Σύμμεικτα

• Βοκοτόπουλος, Παναγιώτης Λ.

Three cross-shaped churches are preserved in the small town of Vonitsa, in Acarnania, and in its vicinity. The first, named after the Panayia (Virgin Mary) is situated between the mediaeval castle and the lagoon, on the western outskirts of the town (plans 1-2, figs. 1-6). Both the church and the frescoes which are preserved in a poor state in its interior belong to the 17th or early 18th cent. The church is built on the site of an older one, whose apses are visible east of the present building. The second church, known as the Panaghoula, is located 6 km. to the south-east (plans 3-4, figs. 7-9). It is the only preserved building of a small monastery, and is very similar to the Panayia. According to an inscription, it was built and decorated with frescoes in 1726; the painters were Alexios Samaras, from the village of Aetos in Acarnania, and a certain Anagnostes from the region of Agrapha. The third church, known to-day as Saint Sophia, stands within the castle of Vonitsa (plans 5-6, fig. 10). Its appearance was radically altered when it was converted into a powder-magazine. No frescoes are visible, as the interior is whitewashed. Saint Sophia may be tentatively dated to the middle Byzantine period. It was transformed into a powder-magazine before 1757.

• History and Archaeology

• Αρχαιολογία
• Χριστιανικές αρχαιότητες

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