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Churches – Chapels - Monasteries
The “Cave-Hermitage of Agia Paraskevi is carved in “soft” rock.
It dates back to the early Christian ages and, according to Kostas Makistos, it might also have operated as “Asclepieion”(sanctuary for god of medicine and healing, Asclepius). Close to the Cave, we find parts of at least two old Christian Basilicas that indicate that the area has been inhabited for many centuries. Inside the cave, there is a litter source from where Holy Water springs.
On Easter Thursday and Friday, a festivity is being held to honor Agia Paraskevi (Saint Paraskevi). A bull is being sacrificed and locals prepare the traditional “keskets” which is then offered to the congregation, customs that have their roots in antiquity. Today the little church operates as chapel and is open every Friday morning and everyday during August. The Cave is situated within the settlement of Agia Paraskevi.
The Holy Church of Pammegistoi Taxiarches Agias Paraskevis.
It is the Cathedral of Agia Paraskevi. A majestic Basilica, whose construction begun in 1856 and was completed in 1867. The wooden rood screen and the inner decoration of the Temple are quite remarkable, as well as the outer colonnade of the narthex, whose columns come form the ancient temple of Klopedi.
Alongside with the Holy Church of Panagia Agiasou, they are the biggest churches in Lesbos.
The Monastery of Taxiarchi Klopedis (“Metochi Taxiarchi Klopedis”) in Agia Paraskevi.
The monastery was founded by Agios Ignatios Agallianos, in the 16th century and until today it belongs to the Monastery of Limonos. It is situated 4km northwest of Agia Paraskevi, close to the archeological site of the sanctuary of Klopeli. It is dedicated to Archangels Michael and Grabriel and celebrates on September 6th. The double mouthed fountain, with a marble inscription from 1776 is worth noticing.
There is always a priest in the monastery, and it remains open from sunrise to sunset all year round, while visitors can reside for free.
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