Greece’s Culture Ministry, in partnership with the Region of Epirus and the Municipality of Arta, is moving forward with a major restoration of the historic Church of Panagia Parigoritissa in Arta. The project follows the completion of architectural, structural and electromechanical studies and a positive opinion from the Central Archaeological Council, according to athensvoice.gr
The works will be carried out by the ministry’s directorates for the restoration and conservation of monuments and will be funded through the 2021–2027 Epirus Regional Operational Program under the municipality’s Sustainable Urban Development plan.
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni described the church, dedicated to the Annunciation, as an outstanding late 13th-century Byzantine monument built by Despot Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas, his wife Anna Palaiologina and their son Thomas. Its architecture is unique in Byzantine design, featuring an innovative dome supported by eight piers with three tiers of columns. Important mosaics of Christ Pantocrator and the Prophets adorn the dome, likely crafted by workshops from Constantinople or Thessaloniki.
The restoration will focus on structural reinforcement, protection and overall enhancement of the monument, including new lighting, fire-detection systems and landscaping of the surrounding area after archaeological investigation. The church preserves remarkable mosaics, frescoes from different periods and sculptural decoration reflecting both Byzantine and Western influences, making it one of Greece’s most significant Byzantine landmarks.
Source: athensvoice.gr
