Church of Panagia Chrysafitissa

At the edge of Kato Poli in Monemvasia, at the centre of the large square, is the small, all white church of Panagia Chrysafitissa, patron saint of the city.

It dates from the 17th century during the Turkish Occupation.

Its construction is related, according to tradition, with the discovery of the icon of the Virgin Mary from Chrysafa in Lakonia, from where the name “Chrysafitissa” comes. The icon was found on the south of the church, inside a well, whose water is considered miraculous.

The church is small in dimensions; it has a square ground plan and is housed with a low dome that is supported on eight corbels.

On its northern side a complex of cells has survived, which belonged to an older monastery and nowadays it has been converted into a traditional hostel. At this building the poet Giannis Ritsos was born (1909-1990) and it was here that his family lived for a period.

The church celebrates the following day from Sunday of Thomas with great splendor.

Then they have a procession of the sacred icon of Panagia Chrysafitissa through the streets and the cobbled roads of the Byzantine castle-city, which ends at the church of Elkomenos Christos. On Sunday and Monday of Thomas they organize the only festival at the Castle with the participation of hundreds of visitors and people of the city.