Church of Panagia Katholiki

On the western outskirts of Gastouni is Holy Church, Dormition of the Virgin Mary, better known as Panagia Katholiki. The word 'Catholic' is either connected to its function during the post-Byzantine period as a cathedral (i.e., Catholic) church of the diocese of Oleni, or as a memory of its use as a Catholic church (i.e. parish church) of the Byzantine settlement.

It is a double cruciform inscribed temple with a three-part narthex, an eight-sided dome with a toothed cornice and a three-sided arch. It is built according to the brick-encased masonry system and second-use architectural members have been used in its construction. The building has not undergone serious interventions or conversions, with the exception of the addition of a closed exonarthex, which originally had the form of an open portico, while some newer alterations to the openings of the church also caused damage.

In the beginning, the temple had three entrances: a western one at the height of the narthex and two others on the south and north walls, which today are sealed. Noteworthy is the stone pointed Gothic frame surrounding the north entrance.

The windows of the church vary in the number of their lobes and are surrounded by a serrated band, while the apse and the south gable are decorated with a brick cross, glazed panels, and built-in shields. In general, the ceramic decoration of the temple is particularly extensive and includes serrated bands, checkered lines, alphabet characters, suns (roses), meanders, etc.

As for its interior, the temple had mural decoration contemporary with its construction, but today it is preserved in fragments. The fresco decoration of 1702, which according to the founding inscription, was financed by the bishop Olenis, Ioannikios Neiros, is preserved in better condition.

The construction of the temple took place in the 13th century. (1278/9), according to an inscription on the arch where it is mentioned that its founders were the "brothers" Kalligopoulos and their symbionts, who apparently belonged to the Greek lords who maintained their privileges by declaring submission to the Latins.

Copyediting: Ephorate of Antiquities of Ilia