Rhodes Church of Panagia Katholiki in Afandou

Location: Afandou Village

The Church of Panagia Katholiki in Afandou resides less than 1 km from Afandou Beach. The area where the church now stands was once the location of a 3rd-century temple dedicated to the goddess Demeter.
The temple was destroyed in the 6th century and was replaced by a Christian basilica church, which was later toppled by a powerful earthquake. On its ruins, the Church of Panagia Katholiki was built, which saw a handful of reconstructions over the centuries.

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The church is triune, meaning that it is dedicated to three holy figures. Those being the Holy Mother, Saint Luke and the three Prelates. Today the church sports a cobblestone exterior, with some parts of the ruined Christian basilica still visible. Inside, it is covered with beautiful, if not a bit weathered, frescoes. The icon of the Virgin Mary, which is usually housed in the church museum in Afandou, is brought back to the church three times a year, accompanied by priests and the town’s residents.

On August 14th, the eve of the Assumption, there is a huge celebration with loud music and delicious food that takes place in the area. A restaurant is also in proximity to the church, serving traditional Greek dishes.