Church of Panagia Gorgona

The small church of the Panagia Gorgona (Virgin Mary the Mermaid) in Skala Sikamias (or Sikamineas) is a humble one, but it has a remarkable wall painting, of unique inspiration, which depicts the Virgin Mary with the tail of a mermaid. This is truly an interesting work, which brings together the Orthodox Christian faith with the ancient traditions of Greece.

Legends, folklore and religious tradition and reverence inspired the unknown painter but also the novelist Stratis Myrivilis, who was born in Sikamia, to write his novel “Panagia Gorgona” (1949). The view from the church is enchanting, particularly during sunset, and allows one to see until the Asia Minor coast.