Booking.com

Church of Agios Nicholas (Kyriakosellia)

The Church of Agios Nicholas is built on a hill near the village Kyriakosellia and it is 30 kilometers from the city of Chania.

The church was built in the 11th century and it is one of the most beautiful Byzantine churches of Crete. It is decorated with remarkable frescoes, which are maintained in good condition.

The Church of Agios Nicholas is in the Byzantine Fortress of Kyriakosellia, which was built on the location of Kastelli by the feudal lord of the region, to secure his privileges. Today, only a small part of the walls and the small church of the fortress still survive.

The Church of Agios Nicholas was originally single-aisled, vaulted, probably with an arched dome, as is evidenced by its side windows.

In the 13th century, the Church of Agios Nicholas suffered extensive structural changes. In the early 20th century, the west wall was demolished and a single-roomed extension was added. At the same time, the church was decorated with bright decor.

On the frescoes of the Church of Agios Nicholas the technique of fresco and luxurious colors were used, like the “blue of Egypt”. Stylistically it is evident that more than one painter worked on the decoration of the church.

Most Popular