Discover the Unique Byzantine Monument of Evrostina: The “Holy Mary of the Shelters” (or Panagia Katafygiotissa, in Greek)

Nestled 40 meters deep in the rocks of the mountain, this monument of Evrostina (or Zaholi, as they also call the place) stands as one of the most exceptional Byzantine attractions in the region. Built in 1782, this church is a testament to the unwavering devotion of the locals to their faith and their determination to protect themselves from persecution.

The History of “Holy Mary of the Shelters”

In the turbulent times when the Turkish conquerors posed a constant threat to the Greeks, the locals sought refuge in the safety of caves and other inaccessible locations. They carved the rocks to create a shelter, but they also longed for a place of worship where they could pray, seek solace, and express their hope for freedom.

And so, they dedicated the chapel to the Virgin Mary, their patroness. The chapel remained under the care of a nun until 1880 when she abandoned it due to the difficulties of living there. But the historic chapel could not remain neglected, and over the years, several restoration works were carried out.

The Maintenance and Development of the Temple

The late Doctor Diamantidis took the initiative to renovate the church in 1983, and in the following years, more restoration works were carried out. A notable figure in the preservation of the chapel's history is Georgios Roussos, a resident of the area. He took it upon himself to reconstruct the old cell, build an entrance, capture folkloric moments, and connect all areas with galleries carved into the rocks.

Today, the "Panagia Katafygiotissa" of Evrostina is a place that attracts many people as it has a breathtaking view that makes the visitors feel one step closer to God or to one’s spiritual self.