Places
Sotiros & Koimisis tis Theotokou (Redeemer & Dormotion of Mother Mary) Church (Chora Sfakion)
A two-aisled church, the first aisle of which is dedicated to Christ the Redeemer (Soter) and was built in the 16th or 17th century. The second aisle, which is dedicated to the Dormition (Koimisis tis Theotokou) was added to the south side in the beginning of the 19th century.
Agios Georgios (St. George) (Komitades)
A small Byzantine church with murals painted in 1314 by icon painter, Ioannis Pagomenos. There is a special mural depicting the donors of the church, while emphasis is given to the life of St. George.
Early Christian Basilica (Frangokastelo)
The ruins of a two-aisled, 6th century basilica with a narthex, dedicated to St. Charalampus and St. John the Divine (Theologos). On the site of the sanctum of this early Christian basilica, a church dedicated to Archangel Michael – whom the Sfakia residents call Astratigos, a corruption of the name Archistratigos, i.e. Commander- in- chief […]
Agios Nikitas (St. Nicetas) (Frangokastelo)
Northeast of Frangokastelo stands the 13th church of St. Niketas, built on the ruins of an early Christian Basilica. St. Niketas is a one-aisled church and was built with architectural members of the old basilica, including two marble pillars. The floor mosaic is also that of the old basilica.
Metamorphosis tou Sotiros (Transfiguration of the Redeemer) Church (Myrthios)
This is a truly old church, built before 961. The bell tower was erected much later, in 1589, during Venetian rule. The mural paintings that stand out are the scenes of Hell and the icon of St. Charalampus.
Panagias (Mother Mary) Church (Lambini)
This is a simple four-pillar, cruciform church with a cupola. It dates from the end of the 12th century. Mural decorations are to a great extent preserved despite physical deterioration and the fact that the church had been set on fire. The murals were painted in three different periods between the 12th and the 15th […]
Agios Haralampos & Agios Theodoros (St. Charalampus & St. Theodore) (Spili)
A two-aisled church dedicated to St. Charalampus and St. Theodore, the oldest aisle dedicated to the latter. Unfortunately, only the sanctum murals have been preserved; however, the wonderful wood-carved iconostasis includes 19th century icons with typical features of the Cretan School. The church also has an impressive bell tower with baroque elements.
Agios Ioannis Theologos (St. John the Divine) (Kissos)
A one-aisled, tile covered church without windows, possibly erected in the 14th century. The church is covered by two layers of murals preserved in very good condition and the wooden iconostasis was made in 1935.
Agia Paraskevi (St. Paraskevi) (Melambes)
A small 14th century basilica with murals painted in two phases. A huge plane tree shades the church and there is a fountain in the yard. A large annual festival is held here on July 16.
Koimisi tis Theotokou (Dormition of Mother Mary) Church (Agia Galini)
This is the church of the district cemetery. It is of an unusual architectural style, since it has two smaller aisles perpendicular to the axis of the central nave. The Church of the Dormition is associated with a local legend that refers to the hamlet name. According to this legend, a Byzantine princess was travelling […]
