An impressive monument not only for Areopolis but for the whole Mani is the beautiful metropolitan church of Taxiarches, a built by the family of Mavromichalis, which dominates at the centre of the city, at the historical square of the 17th of March 1821. Here on this day, the notables of Mani under the leadership of Petrobey Mavromichalis declared the revolution after church service, starting the struggle against the Ottoman conquerors.
The church was built during the Turkish occupation, in the end of the 18th century. It is large, aisleless, vaulted, with arches. It is built with well processed stones and stands out for its impressive but elegant, five-storied bell tower which is visible from afar, and, as we are informed by the walled-in inscription, it was added in 1836. The church’s dome with the ten sides and the five-sided arch of the altar area are decorated externally with small marble columns and marble arches with relief elements, while also relief are the door frames and the window frames.
Of particular interest are the stone reliefs that decorate the gate of the church and the arch of the altar area, representative works of folk style from the end of the 18th century. The relief representations over the entrance date from 1798 and depict the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, and the saints Georgios and Theodoros on horses, figures that are clearly related to the military character of the founders. The decoration of the arch consists of an exceptional series of small reliefs that depict the zodiac circle. At the interior of the church stands out the wooden screen.
The church celebrates on the 8th of November, while it is at the centre of the celebrations of the declaration of the revolution, on the 17th of March.
Informations
Additional
Date:
end of the 18th century
Season:
Post-Byzantine
Celebrates:
8th of November
Holy Metropolis:
Mani
Under the Supervision of:
Archaeological Service of Laconia
Address:
17th Martiou square, Areopolis 23062
Access:
Car, Bus
