Greece - Palatitsia, Church of Saint Demetrius

The church of Saint Demetrius (Agios Demetrios) is dating back to the year of 1570. It has been rebuilt with materilas from the royal palace of Philip II in Agaai, at the location of a Byzantine cemetery in the 16th century. The three-nave basilica is characterized by its lavish wall paintings made by a group of hagiographers from Lianotopi Kozani, the origin of famous hagiographers of that time. Shortly after its erection in 1591 a spacious narthex was added to the church.

Rich interior decoration, with rare wall paintings, is added to the admirable architectural design of the structure and the refined construction. Half of the wall paintings were created by Nicholaos Zografos and “narrated” the life of Christ and Saint Demetrios, portrayed saints, prophets and martyrs of the Church, the Assumption of the Theotokos and the Platytera of Heaven. The rest of the wall paints, which belong to an unknown artist, depict the Last Judgment while among the figures of the triumphant and victorious stands Alexander the Great. This is a rare presentation of high aesthetics and great historical value. Some parts of the wooden iconostasis are preserved intact.

The Church of Saint Demetrius, which is designated as a monument by UNESCO, remained closed and deserted for decades, until 2017 when its restoration and maintenance were approved. Nowadays the church is open to the public.

The Church of Saint Demetrius is a real hidden gem. It is tucked away completely outside the little village of Palatitsia behind a cemetery. We were fortunately welcomed by a caretaker, who also opened the church and lit the lights.