France
Church of Saint Savvas of Kiriotisa (Panagia Kiriotisa)
Church of Saint Savvas of Kiriotisa (Panagia Kiriotisa)
The church of Saint Savvas of Kiriotisa is one of the most important monuments of the byzantine period in Veria and was built in the middle of the 14th century. The temple was originally a three aisled basilica with wooden roof before it was repeatedly reconstructed until the beginning of the 19th century. Of the original temple, only the east wall, the dividing walls of the prosthesis and the diaconicon, the alcove of the Sanctum with the impressive and the exterior brickwork decoration have been preserved after it was repeatedly renovated.
On the east wall of the temple the is also a compilation with the name “PALEOLOGINA” written on it, depicted on the brickwork decoration which probably documented nun Xeni Soultanina as the owner of the temple.
Although the present temple is dedicated to the memory of Saint Savas, has been widely known as Panagia Virgin Mary of the Kiriotisa for centuries. The temple is decorated by exquisite wall paintings of the 14th century which some of them are distinguished for their realistic patterns which are rarely used in the Byzantine tradition. In the temple the visitor can also find some icons of the Byzantine period.
On the east wall of the temple the is also a compilation with the name “PALEOLOGINA” written on it, depicted on the brickwork decoration which probably documented nun Xeni Soultanina as the owner of the temple.
Although the present temple is dedicated to the memory of Saint Savas, has been widely known as Panagia Virgin Mary of the Kiriotisa for centuries. The temple is decorated by exquisite wall paintings of the 14th century which some of them are distinguished for their realistic patterns which are rarely used in the Byzantine tradition. In the temple the visitor can also find some icons of the Byzantine period.
