Panayia Katholiki (Catholic Virgin) in Gastouni

It is a Byzantine church and belongs to the type of double-crossed inscribed temple. It dates back to the 12th century, it has a semi-hexagonal arch, a dome with a eight-sided drum and a narthex in the west. Unique Frankish influence 9 (14th century) the long-arched arch of today’s northern door. The later addition of an exonarthex and the newer larger door openings constitute the only major interventions in its original form. Two layers of frescoes are preserved inside. The second, according to an inscription dated 1702, was made at the expense of Bishop Olenis Ioannikios. A second inscription of the same era, which mentions the builders of the temple and the year of erection in 1279, probably duplicates the oldest inscription. Everyone in the wider region believes that the Byzantine church of Panagia Katholikos has many secrets to the existence of Gastouni in history. That is why excavations that have taken place from time to time, where important findings have been found, are of particular importance