Steps curved on the rocky hill following directly to the church which has been dated from post – byzantine era and is thought to be an especial monument of the archaeological site.
The celebration of the Virgin Mary, on 21st of November, is unique for the residents of rural areas, because she also protects the farmers and the agriculture. Something like an evolution of goddess Demeter. The celebration placed exactly in the middle of the sowing season. On this day, locals follow a specific ritual which consists of boiling various cereals, legumes, multigrain, and going to church to be blessed. Then, they gathered all together, eating and wishing for a good fruition. The tradition says that the crops sown until November 21.So, the agriculturists, through this celebration, honor their protector and pray for a good harvest.
However, neither the position of the church of Panagitsa is random. The excavations show that the church’s place was an inhabited area which destroyed through the ages. The bell tower, which is situated in a short distance west of the temple is a latter addition and apparently arose from people’s need of announcing social events taking place in the village.
Across the church, visitors can see the foundation of a Roman temple. More specifically, the exterior area in front of the church belongs to a Roman temple probably dedicated to Faustina the sister of Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.
