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Photo: myself, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
A refined early Byzantine basilica, broadly contemporary with Agios Stefanos. It is especially notable for its exterior and interior frescoes, including monumental depictions of the Archangels and an unusual cycle of Passion scenes.
The Church of the Archangel of the Metropolis or Taxiarchis of the Metropolis is a Byzantine church in the medieval old city of Kastoria, in northern Greece. Dedicated to the Archangel Michael, it was built in the 9th or 10th century. The use of ancient spolia indicates that it was possibly built on the remains of an early Christian basilica. The church is a small three-aisled basilica, with a narthex and a dome, added after the original construction was finished. A few traces of its original fresco decoration show similarities with the art of Cappadocia, but are too fragmentary to draw any conclusions. The current fresco series dates from the renovation of the church in 1359/60, and represent a distinctive regional style evident in other churches in Kastoria, but also Ohrid.
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Dating from the second half of the 12th century, this small church was founded by Nikiforos “of Kasnitzi,” whose inscription survives on the west wall. It is a simple, aisleless, wooden-roofed hall with a modest narthex, but its interior frescoes are among the best preserved in Kastoria. Particularly notable is the west wall composition combining the Koimisis, Transfiguration, and Ascension, alongside striking warrior saints and a figure of St Nicholas.
Virgin of the Little Dome
One of Kastoria’s most distinctive early Byzantine churches, likely to date from the early 10th century. Its rare domed triconch plan makes it architecturally unique in the town, with later additions to the western end. Inside are layered frescoes from different periods, including a 12th-century Nativity scene above the west door.
Agios Stefanos
One of Kastoria’s most important early Byzantine churches, Saint Stephen dates possibly to around 900 AD. Its exterior is notable for alternating stone and brick bands and distinctive cartwheel brick motifs in the apse. Inside, surviving frescoes — though damaged — include an early Last Judgement in the narthex, and later 12th-century Christological imagery in the nave.
One of Kastoria’s more mature Byzantine churches, Agioi Anargyroi (11th century) reflects a shift toward broader and more balanced basilica proportions. It is especially notable for its richly carved doorway and decorative brickwork on the exterior. Inside, layered frescoes from the 11th–13th centuries include figures of saints and remnants of a founders’ portrait.
Set on the lakeshore a short drive or walk from Kastoria, the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa is one of the most atmospheric Byzantine sites in the region. The core church likely dates to the 11th century, with later additions including a narthex and a 14th-century side chapel. It is especially renowned for its extensive frescoes from multiple periods, including a notable Koimisis on the west wall.