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VOURNIKAS (Village) LEFKADA
The north section of the region has many interesting natural and cultural
features which, even though they have not yet been developed for tourism, are
well worth seeing. The dilapidated monastery of Ayios Ioannis can be reached on
the route up towards Syvro,
five kilometres south of the village of Vournika, at the quiet and peaceful spot
of Rodaki from which the whole of the gulf of Vasiliki
can be seen.
This monastery is one of the most interesting on the island and was
most likely built in 1654. The church is built over the floor of a large ancient
Doric temple most likely dedicated to Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and
fertility. For this reason it is said that any childless couple that steps over
the threshold of the church and follows the service will then have a child. There
are even traces of the ancient temple, such as the Doric column capitals and part
of the paved floor. The original church was continuously expanded, the number
of monks' cells increased and auxiliary areas built. In the late 18th century
the monastery became public property and in 1797 it was given over to the Monastery
of Asomatos Vafkeris. The church is in a fairly good condition, within a large
precinct. It has two entrances and a separate seating area for women. Sections
of the paintings on the east wall of the church are well-preserved and rendered
in an exceptional artistic style. The austere figure of the Platytera (the Virgin)
can be seen in the apse above the altar. In the prothesis is a painting of the
Akra Tapeinosi, followed by Ayios Stefanos and Ayios Romanos. The delicate and
elegant technique used in the paintings is still obvious, despite their deteriorated
condition.
This extract is cited April 2004 from the Prefecture of Lefkada URL below, which contains images
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