Some Churches on Rhodes: Just a Taster

So I completely forgot to finish the post on Rhodes, I whole heartedly apologise!  I thought some inspiring churches would be the way forward today.  If there is one thing to be said about the Greek Islands, it is that you never have a shortage of choice in the Church department and not just that, the variety is amazing.

If you want a small church on the sea, you can have one.  If you want a large church in a mountain village, you can have one of those too.  The choice is endless, so please enjoy the small array of photos below and remember these are not even the tip of the iceberg!

Moni Thari, Nr Laerma

Image from wallcoo.net

This church was built around the 13th century on the foundations of a much earlier church. In the grounds you can see the remains of the building that was built in the 9th century.  It has array of stunning frescoes and is the venue for many festivals including those on the 21st / 22nd May.

Profitis Ilias, Prifitis Ilias

Image from rhodosinfo.com

This church is nestled into the mountain of the same name.  It is located in a place called Elafina (meaning female deer) and Elafos (meaning deer also!).  It is a wreck unfortunately but would make an amazing venue if you can locate the priest who covers that area.


Agios Pavlos (St Pauls), Lindos

Image from ionianweddings.co.uk

This cute little church is set on the edge of a bay, just outside the village of Lindos.  Though the chapel itself is too small to have a lot guests, the opportunity to have the service outside in the courtyard over looking the sea, more than makes up for it.  It is named after St Paul, which legend says came here in 43AD to preach Christianity and thus this chapel was dedicated to him.


The Monastery of Panagia Tsambika

Image from holiday2rhodes.com

This amazing monastery is situated 25km from Rhodes town and has gorgeous views over the sea.  It is said to stand on the site where in ancient times an alter to Artemis once stood and where sacrifices to the goddess were held.  It's name comes from the word 'Tsamba" which means spark.  It is said that a shepherd discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) and hence a monastery was built in the same spot to house it. This icon is believed to be miracle-working  and now the monastery is a pilgrimage for woman who are having trouble conceiving.


Agios Panteleimon, Monolithos Fort

Image from Steve Hoges, Flickr.com

This gorgeous church is situated in the grounds of the Venetian fort of Monolithos.  It was built in the 15th century by the Grand Master d'Audusson up on 300ft of rock and has incredible views of the sea as far as Halki.


My personal favorite is Agios Panteleimon, I am just a sucker for a great set of steps, a beautiful white church and a view to die for.


NY