The Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos at Petra

One of the most beautiful and original religious centers on Lesvos may be found in Petra, namely the Holy Church of Panagia Glykophilousa (the Sweet-Kissing Theotokos). The church is built on top of a 40-m tall rock and the visitor may reach it by climbing 114 stairs chiseled into the rock. The church is a stone, three-aisled basilica, resembling an impregnable fort with breathtaking vistas over the entire area. On the site of this church there probably used to be a smaller walled chapel, which was replaced by a bigger structure in the beginning of the 17^th century and it finally assumed its present form after repairs in 1840. Rare portable Byzantine icons are displayed here, along with the beautiful wood-carved, hand-painted altarpiece and bishop’s throne. There are major festivities every year on 15 August when many pilgrims arrive to venerate the Theotokos.