Location: |
Alexandroupoli 681 00, Greece.
From Alexandroupoli E053 north towards Avas, at the Κάστρο Ποτάμου (Castle of Potamos) turn left on single lane gravel road, signposted. (40.9351416, 25.8631613) |
Open: |
no restrictions. [2024] |
Fee: |
free. [2024] |
Classification: |
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Light: | bring torch |
Dimension: | |
Guided tours: | self guided |
Photography: | allowed |
Accessibility: | no |
Bibliography: | |
Address: | Eklisia Agioi Theodoroi, Tel: +30-. |
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info. |
11th century | first frescoes painted. |
13th century | second period of frescoes. |
1870 | railway line opened. |
κκλησία Άγιοι Θεόδωροι (Eklisia Agioi Theodoroi) is a small cave church located close to the town Avas, north of Alexandroupoli. The site is quite remote and reached on a almost 5 kilometer long single lane gravel road. It follows the railroad through the valley, and there are no bridges, only fords, so the road is not accessible after rains. The cave church is marked by a small chapel like structure at the road, from here its a short walk uphill to the limestone cliff. A long staircase leads into a huge cave portal. On the right side there is the entrance to the cave church which is gated by an iron bar gate. Up another staircase the cave church is finally reached.
The small church of St. Theodore is famous for its frescos, which were created in two phases in the 11th and 13th century. The first in the late 11th century is called "monastic" period. The second in the late 12th and early 13th century is the so-called transitional period. The frescoes are typical examples of those styles. They show the Archangel, the Assumption, the Visitation and the Great Prayer. The church is Greek Orthodox, and so there are numerous icons, depicting Jesus, Virgin Mary, and other Saints.
The cave church is well known among the locals, and there are several services over the year. The main festival seems to be 01-MAY. People seem to camp with tents in the field along the road. We were not able to find exact open hours or some contact with a key. Be aware that the cave is gated with an iron bar gate, which seems to be a good idea to protect the murals from vandalism.