Church of Saint Irene of Kampos

The Church of Saint Irene in the archaeological site of Kambos is one of Ikaria’s most important Middle Byzantine monuments. Built in the 11th–12th century atop the ruins of a 4th-century Early Christian basilica, it preserves architectural features of the four-columned cross-in-square type, with a dome on an octagonal drum and a three-sided apse in the sanctuary. On the west side, parts of the narthex and a colonnaded portico survive, while the roof is covered with schist slabs. Inside are a five-tier synthronon and fragments of frescoes. The Kambos area, known in antiquity as Doliche or Oinoe, was once the island’s capital and also hosts the Archaeological Museum of Ikaria. The church, within the declared archaeological site, is a monument of particular historical and cultural significance. Access is via the main Evdilos–Armenistis road, by private vehicle, taxi, or on foot.