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Church of Panagia Kera in Kritsa |
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The rather unknown village of Kritsa is situated in the mountains about 10 kilometres west of Agios Nikolaos. The famous Byzantine Church of Panagia Kera stand a few kilometres before Kritsa.
Church of Panagia Kera outside the village of Kritsa.
It is unknown when the church of Panagia Kera was built, historians agree that the oldest parts of the church, the nave, its vaulted roof and dome, were constructed and painted in the 13th century. The church's side aisles, the western entrance, the bell tower and the buttresses that support the church were built and painted later in the 14th century. According to a local legend, the church used to contain an icon of the Virgin Mary, which was believed to have miraculous powers. Like so many other Greek icons in other words.
 The Church of Panagia Kera in Kritsa.
The unusual architecture of the church. The village of Kritsa is visible on the left in the picture. |
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Fragments of the old frescoes in the church.
The Church of Panagia Kera is no longer used as a church, it is a museum and therefore it costs money to enter and look at the frescoes. Admission is around €3. If you don't want to pay for the entrance, you can look at the frescoes from one of the small windows.
If you don't want to pay for the entrance, you can look at the frescoes from the small windows.
The church is a popular outing destination for both Cretans and tourists. Outside the church, there are shops selling icons, souvenirs and various handicrafts. There are also some cafes and tavernas.
A cafe outside the Church of Panagia Kera. |
WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU ARE IN THE AREA |
