Search on InSamothraki.com InSamothraki on Facebook InSamothraki on Instagram InSamothraki on Pinterest RSS feed
The church of Agia Paraskevi by the sea

The church of Agia Paraskevi by the sea

There are only a few big churches in Samothraki. Chapels and small churches dot the island, even in the most remote places. Two of these are dedicated to Saint Paraskevi (Agia Paraskevi) - one in Paleopoli, near the Sanctuary of the Great Gods and the other in Ano Meria.

The church of Agia Paraskevi is in the similarly named cove.
The church of Agia Paraskevi is in the similarly named cove.

The small church from Ano Meria is not really in the village, but on the shore, in the northeast of the island, about 2 kilometers away from the bridge over the Fonias River and 600 meters before the junction with the road that climbs towards Ano Meria and the famous Tavern Karydies.

From the main street, a dirt road takes you to the church on the shore.
From the main street, a dirt road takes you to the church on the shore.

The church is hidden in a similarly named cove. Waves break gently nearby on the small beach. The doors and windows are painted blue and the traditional tiled roof has stones on top to protect it from high winds. To the right, there's a belfry with a blue cross on top.

The small belfry
The small belfry

The current church was rebuilt in 1961 after the old one was destroyed in a fire. The archeological excavations found a Roman settlement nearby and the legend says that on this very spot, an emperor died a long time ago. The story might hold some truth considering that historical sources tell of a Byzantine emperor that died while trying to flee from Samothraki.

A view of Cape Skepastos from the churchyard
A view of Cape Skepastos from the churchyard

As you enter the yard there's a fountain built in 2015 by the Hunting Association. Benches under a few young plane trees offer the occasional visitor shade a place to rest and take in the silence and the view. A vitex agnus shrub with long purple flowers brings a splash of color to the landscape. Cormorants often hang out on a couple of rocks in the sea.

The fountain was built in 2015
The fountain was built in 2015

A few young plane trees and a vitex agnus shrub grow by the building.
A few young plane trees and a vitex agnus shrub grow by the building.

Cormorants on the rocks in the sea
Cormorants on the rocks in the sea

The interior of the church is simple, the walls are adorned with a few icons with golden backgrounds. The icon of Saint Paraskevi, who the church is dedicated to, is both on the altar's wall and on the northern wall by Saint George.

On the walls there are icons with golden backgrounds.
On the walls there are icons with golden backgrounds.

Every year, on the 26th of July, when Saint Paraskevi from Rome is celebrated, a service and a panigyri are held here. Panigyri is a celebration that combines religion (it's associated with a saint) with dancing, music and eating. On Saint Paraskevi's Day, people eat gorgovrasto, a typical Samotracian dish with rice and goat meat.

Over the door is the icon of Agia Paraskevi.
Over the door is the icon of Agia Paraskevi.

Comments

Have you been there?
Tell everyone about your experience!

Comment

Thank you for your comment!
Because of spam we need to take a look at it before we publish it.
Don't worry, we'll approve it as soon as possible!

Ok

Accommodation
Booking.com
Weather in Samothrace

InSamothraki on Instagram

Follow on Instagram
if you want to stay in touch!

Go to Instagram No, thanks