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Church · Monemvasia, Peloponeso
Igreja de Christos Elkomenos e Coleção Arqueológica
The central square of the lower town, with the metropolitan church of Christos Elkomenos, originating in the 6th century with a separate bell tower, and opposite it the Ottoman mosque of 1540 that houses the Monemvasia archaeological collection.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Igreja de Christos Elkomenos e Coleção Arqueológica
Praça do Elkomenos is the only open space in Monemvasia's lower town, a small stone square at the top of the main street, with an old cannon pointed at the sea. On one side is the church of Christos Elkomenos, Christ in Chains, the city's metropolitan church, founded in the 6th century and rebuilt several times; the façade, with a relief of two peacocks above the door, is from the Venetian period, and the bell tower stands apart on the other side of the square. Inside there is a gilded iconostasis and old icons, among them the Christ Elkomenos icon from the 14th century, stolen in 1979 and returned years later.
Opposite the church is the mosque built by the Ottomans soon after they took the town, in 1540, with a low dome. After independence it served as a prison and a café, and today houses the Monemvasia archaeological collection: pottery and marble sculptures from the churches, Byzantine architectural pieces, Ottoman ceramics and everyday objects found in the houses, with panels about the town's history.
The square is also the place to have coffee with a view of the sea and the starting point for the path up to the upper town. In summer evenings, concerts and events take place there.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 to 45 minutes for the church and the collection.
Best time
In the morning, when the church is usually open and the collection already operating; the collection usually closes one day a week and has reduced hours in winter. In the late afternoon the square is the best place to watch the sea change color.
How to get there
Walk up the main street of the lower town from the entrance gate for about 5 minutes to the square. The church is on the left and the mosque, with the collection, on the right.
Tip
Enter the church with shoulders and knees covered; it is an active place of worship. In the collection, look for the marble fragments from the vanished churches of the upper town. Then follow the steps that descend from the square to the sea wall.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Igreja de Christos Elkomenos e Coleção Arqueológica
What does Elkomenos mean?
Christ Elkomenos is Christ dragged, or in chains, led to Calvary. It’s the name of Monemvasia’s metropolitan church and of the 14th-century icon it houses.
Does the mosque still function as a mosque?
No. Built in 1540, it ceased to be a mosque with Greek independence and, after serving as a prison and a café, was restored to house the town’s archaeological collection.
Can the church be visited?
Yes, during its opening hours, with appropriate clothing, because it is an active place of worship. Inside are the iconostasis and the old icons, including the Christ Elkomenos.