Open Collections

Germanidou, Sophia

Database of Religious History (DRH)

The church of Saint Spyridon is located in Kardamyli, at the fortified compound of the MourtzinoiTroupakis local clan (local landlords called kapetanioi), in the region of messinian Mani, Peloponnese, southern Greece. It is one of the finest example of a single-aisled, barrel-vaulted domed basilica, dated in the 18th century, built of rubble masonry and in the south side, of massive poros blocks. The entrance door and window are framed by sculpted decoration. Parts of sculpture and masonry are of ancient and byzantine origin and dating, indicating re-use of older material in the monument. The impressive belltower is decorated by low relief motifs and its structure bear resemblance to western patterns. The church of Saint Spyridon is among the very rare cases of such dominant religious monuments associated with a "clan" and included within their fortification enclosure. It was never purposed to fulfill wide audience worship but only privately, the members of the clan. After the last descendants passed away, the building was left to decay. Some years ago it was restored; but still it only celebrates the patron Saint's day and at some other special occasions (baptisms, weddings).

Other

eng

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0438201

Non UBC

Unreviewed

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/