ST CATHERINE – SPLANTZIA OLD TOWN

The chapel of Agia Ekaterini is hidden in the narrow alleys that lead to Splantzia square. It is considered to have been built in the 16th century because of its post-gothic references on the exterior surfaces and interior space. Even though it looks like a Catholic church, it always has been an Orthodox one. Even during the centuries of the Turkish occupation, when St. Nikolas was transformed into a mosque and St. Catherine was turned into a bakery originally and then a mechanic workshop, the local Christians continued to pray and celebrate in her name. Inside there is a double aisle and in the center there is a base of a belfry. The round windows in each side of the chapel permit the natural light to enter and distinguish the construction from the rest of the venetian style houses.