Church of the Dormition of the Virgin in Petra

The Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Petra is 55 km from Mytilene in the island’s north. It is dedicated to Panagia Glykofilousa. It is built in the center of Petra atop a 40 m rock, accessed by 114 steps cut into the rock. Stone-built, it follows the architectural type of the three-aisled basilica. The church resembles an impregnable fortress and rewards visitors with a stunning panoramic view of the area. On the same spot there was likely a smaller walled church, replaced in the early 17th century by a larger one which took its present form after repairs in 1840. Inside, rare Byzantine icons are preserved, while the painted wood-carved iconostasis and the episcopal throne are of particular interest. It is one of Lesvos’ most important shrines.