Sights

Churches and Monasteries

Coordinates: 39.116211, 23.725900

Episcopi

An exceptionally interesting monument with a long history, located just a breath away from Skopelos Town. Inside the impressive stone enclosure stands a small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, likely built in the latter half of the 16th century or early 17th century. During the Ottoman period and until the early 19th century, the church belonged to a small monastery, which ceased to be inhabited by monks in 1834 and remained only as a retreat for the owner.

In 1949, the site was purchased by the Dimitriadis brothers, which allowed the archaeologist Andreas Xyngopoulos to conduct research and excavations, revealing its secrets.

It was discovered that the small post-Byzantine church had replaced a much earlier middle-Byzantine basilica, built in 1078 during the reign of Emperor Nikephoros Botaneiates, possibly funded by or with the help of the Bishop of Skopelos, Anastasios. This is confirmed by architectural fragments and a founder’s inscription embedded in the church.

The history of Episcopi does not stop here. According to Professor Xyngopoulos, there was an early Christian church (4th-7th century AD) on the same site, and there may have been an ancient temple before it, from which two Ionic capitals and fragments of statues found during the excavations originated.

A mystery also surrounds the facade of a large building, which forms the eastern side of the stone enclosure. It is two stories high, with a fortress-like appearance, narrow windows, and a large opening in the middle of the upper floor, with stone supports decorated with roughly carved animal forms protruding from the bottom. These features suggest Venetian times. It is likely that the Venetian building was intended to be an episcopal palace but was never completed, possibly due to the island’s capture by the Turks in 1538.

The church of Episcopi celebrates on August 23rd, known as the “nine days” of the Virgin Mary, with an all-night vigil and festival.

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