The ROTONDA – Byzantine Church in Episkopi is open daily from Mo – Fr !

After successful efforts of the Municipality of Platanias and its  mayor, Ioannis Malandrakis, the unique and famous Rotonda,  also called the Church of the Archangel Michael is accessible at last!

Opening hours: from Monday to Friday  8.00 – 15.00 (during the summer months)

WHERE: Episkopi, about 10 km south of Kolymbari. For map click here.

What makes the Rotonda so unique in Crete is its stepped dome with five concentric rings, which, in general, is very rare in Byzantine architecture.
The church dating back to the  6th century (first Byzantine period),  became the seat of the Bishop of Kissamos during the second Byzantine period. During this period it was extended.
The Rotonda also has beautiful frescoes. Archaeologists are said to have identified FIVE layers of frescoes.

For more information about the Rotonda click here.

Source and photo credit: Municipality Platanias