The Church of Agios Georgios tou Vounou: A Byzantine church on the edge of a mountain

The Byzantine church of Agios Georgios tou Vounou (St. George of the Mountain) sits on the edge of a small mountain on the Island of Kythira, Greece. Panoramic views of the island and the Aegean Sea stretch from the port at Diakofti to the town of Avlemonas and across the mountainous island.

In front of the church lies a Minoan peak sanctuary. From the mountaintop, the Minoans watched the Sea of Kythera for invaders. A fire signal system was used to transmit messages from Peloponnese to Crete, and this sanctuary served as the main relay.

A narrow road, near the turnoff to Avlemonas, winds up the mountain to the church and Minoan peak sanctuary. Yesterday morning, we made the short trip to the church and were rewarded by spectacular views and a glimpse at the island’s rich history.

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View of Avlemonas
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Church of Saint George of the Mountain
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View of the port at Diakofti

This post was inspired by the WordPress Photo Challenge: Edge.

14 thoughts on “The Church of Agios Georgios tou Vounou: A Byzantine church on the edge of a mountain

  1. Reblogged this on Windy Wolves and commented:
    Legendary saint & a legendary place! Greece is so much of peace.. Spectacular never-seen-before photographs, thanks for sharing! (Reblogging)

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