Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and shiny earth colours. The rest of the images are from the 14th century, when the church
was completely repainted.
The church is at the southern end of the village of Pelendri. If the church is closed
(which is likely) ask at the village coffee shop for the whereabouts of the priest.
Agia Sotira tou Soteros
CHURCH
(
%
9997 4230;
h
10am-1pm Tue & Wed)
Perched on the slope overlooking Palaichori village, is this Unesco-listed early-16th-cen-
tury chapel containing one of the island's most complete groups of late Byzantine wall
paintings. The work of an unknown master, the paintings depict complete figures like St
Mamas upon the lion. The church also holds a series of iconostases painted by Mt Athos
monk Mathaios. To see inside you may have to call the custodian or ask in the village
centre at the Byzantine Heritage Museum.
Spilia-Kourdali
Pop 460
These two traditional villages, situated in the Adelfi Forest, were established in the 16th
century near the monastery and church of Virgin Mary Chrysokourdaliotissa (Kourdali).
Like many villages in the region, they grew as refuges from constant invasions by con-
querors like the Francs and later the Turks.
The narrow valley of Kourdali (
www.kourdali.org
) saw it expand towards the village of
Spilia, which derived its name from the Roman graves (
spilioi
in Greek) found in the area.
Local asbestos mining was the main proficiency of the villagers for many years; thereafter
they became skilled tailors and cobblers. Now the villages' cafes and craft shops are the
main attraction.
1
Sights
Olive Mill of 'Paphitaina'
HISTORIC SITE
F
In operation until 1955, the well-preserved olive-stone mill and wooden press are now
housed in a traditional building in Spilia's village centre.
The mill, originally privately owned, was usually turned by a donkey, with the broken
olives later being crushed by the presser. Olive oil was then extracted into
tzares
(clay
urns). Eventually the mill was superseded by modern presses in nearby villages. You can
obtain the key from the Friends of Spilia-Kourdali, in the building next door.
