At Omonoia square, near the Byzantine acropolis of Kastoria, is the church of Agios Nikolaos of Kasnitzis, a name that comes from its owner, the magister Nikephoros Kasnitzis, who erected and decorated it in honor of his patron saint and benefactor.
The church dates from the second half of the 12th century. It is a small, aisleless, with a large semi-circular arch on the east and a narthex on the west. Its masonry is characteristic of the churches of Kastoria, is consists of rocks at their natural shape or heavily carved, surrounded by plaster and framed by tiles horizontally or vertically and alternate with tiles that create decorative letters or geometrical shapes. On the upper side of the church there is a frieze by rectangular clay tiles, that are decorated with engraved diagonal lines. The monument has been restored in 1952.
At the interior of the church there was remarkable wall painting decoration, which survives in good condition. It includes, among others, at the main church scenes from the life of Christ, as well as the full-body figures of military saints and medical saints. The narthex is decorated with scenes from the life of Agios Nikolaos, full-body figures of saints and the presentation of Praying, with Christ being depicted as an old man, as the Ancient of Days. Based on their style these icons date from the end of the 12th century and constitutes one of the most important works of the Komnenian period.
The church celebrates on the 6th of December.
Informations
Additional
Date:
second half of the 12th century
Season:
Byzantine
Celebrates:
6 December
Holy Metropolis:
Archdiocese of Athens
Under the Supervision of:
Ephorate of Antiquities of Kastoria
Access:
Bus, car.
Parking:
Free parking in the surrounding area
