Holy Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos – The “Great Panagia” of Samarina
One of the three best-known churches of Samarina is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos and serves as the metropolitan church of the settlement. At first glance, your attention will immediately be drawn to the impressive pine tree that has been growing since 1850 in the apse of the sanctuary, emerging through the roof of the church as a living symbol of endurance over time. According to the carved stone inscription at the entrance, the church was erected in 1816. It is a three-aisled timber-roofed basilica with a polygonal apse in the sanctuary, a two-storey narthex–women’s gallery and an open portico on two of its sides; on one of these sides, there is also a small chapel dedicated to the Apostles Peter and Paul. On the outside, the imposing three-storey bell tower of 1876 stands out. Inside, wall paintings with strong local folk-art elements grace the entire church, depicting scenes from the Marian and Christological cycles, as well as numerous depictions of saints. According to the dedicatory inscription, the Samarina-born painters Christos and Antonios Papaioannou completed the decoration in 1829. A visit here shall help you encounter one of the most characteristic monuments of the religious tradition of the Pindus.
