| 10 km south of Kolymbari near the village of Episkopi, stands one of the most peculiar and unusual churches in Crete. It is the church to Archangel Michael, most often just called Rotonda. |
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The village became a bishopric during the second Byzantine period (961-1204), and a part of it is still extant, for example remains of the mosaic floor and a baptismal font, which shows that christening ceremonies were performed here at that time. |
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During the restoration of the church (2001-2003), various layers of frescos have been found, indicating that the church has been repainted at least five times. |
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Plan of the church |
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archaeologists consider that the church has been built trough several
periods of time. The central rotunda (E) is for instance supposed to be
from the 4th century, while the chancel (A) has been added later. The
other parts of the church are additions too.
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| By all accounts only an additional two churches of this type exist, one in Thessalonica and one in Italy. |
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| During excavations in 1994, Byzantine graves from about year 900 were found around the church. | ||||
