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Modern Description: A number of ancient blocks, some with inscriptions, have been incorporated in the structure of the most impressive remains in the Eresos area—namely the Early Christian basilica of St Andrew of Crete, which lies on the opposite (west) side of Vigla hill, possibly on the site of a pagan sanctuary of Dionysos and Apollo. (A protrusion of the crepidoma of an ancient building can be seen at the church's southwest corner.) The structure dates from the mid-5th century, and its extensive mosaic floor survives both in the nave and the narthex. It carries a clear dedicatory inscription and possesses a field of complex and varying abstract designs, interspersed with panels figuring peacocks—all achieved with the minimal means of four principal colours of stone. In the centre of the nave, a marble column base covers the opening of a well (now filled) below the floor. Sarcophagi, mostly of the Christian period, can be seen close to the church's perimeter; others have been moved to the area in front of the school building which stands just across the road; a number of the houses in the area also have ancient fragments in their gardens. Excavations are currently under way in a vacant lot, 50m from the east end of the basilica.
Another, slightly later (6th century) basilica lies at the opposite (western) end of the shore, known generally as the ‘Aphendelli' basilica, from the name of the owner on whose land the finds were made. (Follow track which passes the Aeolian Village Hotel to its end.) A beautiful area of mosaic, once again figuring peacocks, is conserved in front of the central apse.
Wikidata ID: Q38280532
Trismegistos Geo: 658

Info: McGilchrist's Greek Islands

(From McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, © Nigel McGilchrist 2010, excerpted with his gracious permission. Click for the books)

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