PALAIOPANAGIA
MANOLADOS

Unique in religious value and an excellent architectural example, Paleopanagia, the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, is located in the cemetery of Palea Manolada-Kyllini in Northern Ilia, near the medieval seaside site of Kounoupeli. Its construction dates from around 1300 AD during the period of Frankish rule.

The church is laid out in the shape of an equilateral cross with a narthex that forms a Pi-shaped peristoa and ends eastward in a three-sided arch. The structure, which is preserved in a fairly good condition, is notable for its rich decoration on the arches and dome, where serrated bands and meanders dominate. The interior walls have two fresco layers, of which the oldest is only partially preserved.

The northern chapel, dedicated to Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas), is dominated by scenes from the life of the saint and an oversized bust of the man, while the southern chapel contains representations featuring eschatological content.