Panagia Krina, Byzantine church in Vaviloi Chiou, Greece
Panagia Krina is a Byzantine church near Vaviloi on Chios featuring architectural elements typical of Eastern Orthodox religious buildings. The structure displays a compact layout with characteristic details such as a central dome and narrow window openings consistent with medieval construction methods.
The building was constructed between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, bearing an inscription from 1287 that documents its long existence. Maintenance work followed in the 18th century after the structure originally functioned as a monastery.
The church serves as a gathering place where locals continue Eastern Orthodox traditions through regular services and religious observances. It embodies the spiritual identity of a rural community that has maintained its faith practices across generations.
The church is located about one kilometer beyond the Vavylos settlement on the road toward Sklavia and is reachable on foot. The surroundings are rural, so visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring water, especially during warmer months.
The church replicates the architectural form of the Katholikon of the New Monastery of Chios, a major site in island building traditions. This design feature shows how religious architectural models from important monasteries were adapted into smaller church structures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
