Holy Church of Saint Paraskevi in Samarina
In Samarina, you will encounter the historically significant Holy Church of Saint Paraskevi, which once served as the katholikon of a monastic complex abandoned in the late 19th century. Established in 1713, as recorded by the carved inscription above the sanctuary apse, it is a four-column cross-in-square church, distinguished by blind domes over the central nave and arches in the corner bays. Entering through the western doorway with its elaborate carved stone frame, you will be immediately immersed in an atmosphere of history and devotion. Fragments of wall paintings survive in the sanctuary and central dome. The earliest date to the late 18th century and their artists remain unknown, while later decoration was completed in 1821 by the Samarina painter Michael Anagnostou, as inscribed. Particularly noteworthy are the carved and painted wooden ceiling and the masterpiece gilded wooden iconostasis of the late 18th century, which enhance the solemn character of the church.
