The Early Christian Basilica of Aghios Andreas at Eresos

Excavation uncovered the ruins of an Early Christian basilica on the southeastern part of the settlement of Skala Eresou. These discoveries were made by Pithari Monastery monks in 1884 and 1885. It was initially dedicated to Apostle Andreas or perhaps John the Baptist, since the ruins of the walls in a small chapel are still seen at close inspection, dedicated to Aghios Ioannis Prodromos (St. John the Baptist). The change of name is due to the burial on the basilica premises of Archbishop of Crete Aghios Andreas, who upon arrival from Constantinople fell ill and died in Eresos, after setting port there to avoid the bad sailing conditions. This is a three-aisled basilica with a rectangular floor plan dating to 450 AD. It consists of a narthex, the main nave and the altar. The altar apse is an interior inscribed circle but with many sides on the outside. The nave’s floor is adorned with mosaic depicting peacocks.