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Modern Description: The important Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis Eleimonas stands in the centre of the village. The church follows the architectural style of the simple distyle [two-columned] cross-in-square type, with one three-sided apse projecting to the east and a narthex to the west. Judging from its architectural and morphological elements, the church dates from the beginning of the 12th century, while the narthex is from a little later, but still within the same century. A great deal of ancient material was used in the building of the church (mostly large blocks for the lower masonry), while at certain points the cloisonné style was used. The outside walls are differentiated with brick decorations. The master craftsman who worked on the church was Theofylaktos from Kea, who is known to us from a rare engraved invocation on the outside of the north door. On the outside, the two unfluted marble column supports for the dome, with their capitals, were made especially for the church. Of the mural decoration of the church, a few scenes remain (the communion of the Apostles, the presentation of Christ, the saints), while some interesting engravings of ships have survived in the narthex. The church began to have severe static problems, and so extensive restoration work was carried out in 2012 by the 25th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities. (https://www.argolisculture.gr/en/list-of-monuments/the-sacred-church-of-agios-ioannis-eleimonas-in-ligourio/)
Wikidata ID: Q38282756
Trismegistos Geo: 37663

Info: Odysseus

(Odysseus, Greek Ministry of Culture)

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