Church of Panagia Sergena

Μετάφραση Greek Version

Church of Panagia Sergena

The small church of Panagia Trypa (Virgin Mary of the Hole) or Panagia Sergena built in 1700, is carved in a high volcanic rock, southwest of the village of Vothonas in the large gorge of the area. The temple is entirely a cave, 20 meters above the ground and hidden, to serve as a refuge during the time of the pirate raids. The locals climbed up to the church on a wooden ladder, which was then pulled up inside the church, making it impossible for pirates to enter. Sergena means "the Patroller" because from the mountain they would look out and patrol for pirate ships. Panagia Trypa (Virgin Mary in the Hole) must have gotten its name from the small window. On the outside it looks like a one-metre-wide hole, from which a helical path dug in the volcanic rock reaches the interior.

The church celebrates every year on February, 2nd. That day one of biggest festival takes place on the island. Panagia Sergena is one of the most impressive churches in the area, a place worth visiting. You can only get to the church on foot through the path that starts from the center of Vothonas. It's a beautiful hike that lasts '5 to '10 minutes between volcanic rocks and dry boulders.