Greece - Kalogerorachi, Zoodochos Pigi Samarina

The Holy Byzantine Church of Zoodochos Pigi Samarina (Ιερός Βυζαντινός Ναός Ζωοδόχου Πηγής – Σαμαρίνας) was built in the 12th century. The church was built as the catholicon of the women’s monastery which is considered to be founded by Andronikos II Palaiologos. From the monastery survive today only the ruins of cells, the cistern and one cemetery church nearby.

Architecturally the church belongs to the type of cross-in-square church with a dome supported by two columns. During later stages they added the narthex, with the open portico on the western side, and the bell tower, which is considered Frankish, in the 13th century. The walls are built very carefully, at the lower part with large rectangular stones that came from ancient buildings, and the upper part with rich ceramic decoration.
At the interior of the church there are impressive wall paintings, with characteristic the monumental representations of Christ’s life.

Nowadays the Church of Zoodochos Pigi (Liife Giving Source) is the metochi
(= embassy church) of the Voulcanou Monastery. It is located in the middle of nowhere between the villages Kalogerorachi and Ellinoekklisia. It is considered being one of the most beautiful; and well preserved Byzantine monuments of the Peloponnese