Frangavila Holy Monastery in Amaliada

Southeastern of Amaliada, on a verdant hill is one of the most important pilgrimages of Ilia, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, formerly the katholikon of the Byzantine Monastery of Frangavilla. The Temple, according to discoveries, is older than the Frankish era and its name probably reflects the Frankish presence in the region in later times. As mentioned in the Temple, it was built in the 11th century and is the only building that has been preserved by the entire complex of the Monastery. It is a cruciform inscribed temple with a dome resting on pillars. Its characteristic show that it belongs to a particular category of temples whose western cross is lesser. Its walls are built with large carved porous stines and bricks, with a ceramic decoration in the arch of the sanctuary, while the dome has adopted the famous technique of “hidden brick” that reflects the architectural tradition of Constantinople and appears here for the first time in the Peloponnese. Inside the Temple there are interesting wall paintings dating back to the 17th century, while the frescoes in the built temple are newer. Close to the temple is the building that houses the boarding school (Student House) of the Holy Metropolis of Ilia.