Rhodes Church of Agios Nikolaos Fountoukli

Location: Eleoussa

Near the village of Eleousa, along a small dirt road, the church of Agios Nikolaos Fountoukli resides. Built around the 14th and 15th century AD, it is a central square building topped with an original cupola (dome). Outside, it is surrounded by lush greenery and olive trees and sits next to a spring with a fountain, while its interior is characterized by the frescoes that line its walls.

These frescoes depict a variety of figures, from the two donors of the church to the founder and his wife praying to a statue of Christ that stands above them. Then there is the image of three children praying beneath the bust of Christ-Emannuel. From the accompanying inscriptions, it is revealed that they have all passed away, with the temple probably being decorated in their memory. It is a striking visual, sure to fill visitors with equal parts sorrow and serenity.