Church of Panagia Katholiki (Church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary in Gastouni)

At the edge of the city of Gastouni is one of the oldest monuments of Elis, the church of Panagia Katholiki which is dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin Mary. Its name probably comes from the fact that it was the central church of Gastgouni, which was the greatest residential centre in Elis and the seat of a bishopric.  

It dates probably from the second half of the 13th century and information about its foundation is provided by an inscription at the arch of the altar area, which probably is a copy of the initial founding inscription. According to it, the church was erected in 1278/9 and its founders were six brothers, the lords Kalligopoloi and their wives. The names of the wives are also mentioned at an engraved inscription which survives in a bad condition and also dates from the second half of the 13th century.

Architecturally the church belongs to the type of cross-in-square with a narthex on the western side and an octagonal dome that is supported by two columns. Its masonry follows the cloisonné system, with double bricks around each stone, and with simple ceramic decoration. Interesting is the pointed arch at the now sealed northern gate, the only thing in the monument that shows Latin influence. In later times they added the exonarthex and they opened the large gates.

The interior of the church was decorated with wall paintings. Most of them date accurately from 1702, the period of the Venice occupation, according to an inscription that mentions that they were made with the expenses of Ioannikios Niros, bishop of Oleni. In the 19th century part of the interior was repainted by a painter named Sophocles, and general repairs were carried out in the building. A dominant place inside the church has the wonderful portable icon of Virgin Mary.

The church celebrates twice a year, on Easter Tuesday and in the 15th of August.