Agia Paraskevi, Aitania

In the village of Aitania, in the Municipality of Hersonissos, you’ll find Agia Paraskevi. The interior of the church is entirely covered in frescoes, dating back to the 14th century AD.

The decoration inside is quite unique. The style suggests either two different painting phases, or that it was the work of two different iconographers. Specifically, the sanctuary area is painted in a different style from the rest of the church. In the semi-dome of the apse, there's a Deesis scene with Christ Pantocrator in the centre and the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist on either side.

Another rare element is the depiction of Christ as the Great High Priest in the semi-dome of the sanctuary, a type that is generally uncommon in this position. Also unusual is the representation of the Melismos in the apse, flanked by co-officiating Hierarchs.

The chapel celebrates its feast day on July 26.

For more information, refer to the Municipality of Hersonissos.