Church of Christ in Chains (Christos Elkomenos)
Church of Christ in Chains (Christos Elkomenos)
Church of Christ in Chains (Christos Elkomenos)
4.6
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.6
263 reviews
Excellent
176
Very good
63
Average
19
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Leslie Robbins
Seattle, WA239 contributions
May 2011 • Couples
The church of Elkomenos Christos is considered the 'most majestic of all the churches of the East" according to many Historians and we would have to agree with it's Veneto-Cretan style, retaining the iconic old intricate Byzantine architectural characteristics.
Apparently the Church of Christ in Chains (Elkomenos Christos) is the third (replacement) church built on this site after the first was carried off to Constantinople in the 11th century and the second taken to Corfu in 1540. The name Elkominos comes from the verb 'elko' meaning 'to lead', signifying "Christ led away to the Passion".
This beautiful church with of the sea old ancient city wall is amazing to take in, and a place which will never wear on the eyes and one of the first things that you see when you enter into this magnificent city.
Don't forget to wear your walking shoes - there is no end to the steps you can climb in and around the area.
Apparently the Church of Christ in Chains (Elkomenos Christos) is the third (replacement) church built on this site after the first was carried off to Constantinople in the 11th century and the second taken to Corfu in 1540. The name Elkominos comes from the verb 'elko' meaning 'to lead', signifying "Christ led away to the Passion".
This beautiful church with of the sea old ancient city wall is amazing to take in, and a place which will never wear on the eyes and one of the first things that you see when you enter into this magnificent city.
Don't forget to wear your walking shoes - there is no end to the steps you can climb in and around the area.
Written July 17, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NSTAVROS
Athens, Greece781 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
At the center of the castle there is a white temple with spectacular views and a cannon in front of it. This church bears the name Christ Elkomenos and from what we have learned is the only church in Greece with this name, which comes from the verb peas that in the ancient meaning of storm, fetch.
Inside the church there is a special area where the homonymous image is kept under draconian security measures. The reason is that about 35 years ago and a rainy night, the picture was stolen by antiquities. And do not imagine the picture is small. It's a little smaller than a door. So to be able to take it out of the church, they cut it in 4-5 pieces. It was found a few months later and was kept in the Byzantine Museum since its rehabilitation, while in Monemvasia it turned 32 years later after many years of efforts by the Metropolitan and after the necessary guarantees for its security were given. These guarantees concerned the special cabin in which the image is stored and costing over 200,000 euros. In order to enter the cabin, the person in charge of the temple must enter the special code and there are cameras that scan the image every 2 seconds. A! And do not make the mistake of touching the glass. It is alarming.
The value of the image, which is invaluable, was confirmed by the archaeologist of the region who gave us a mini tour and gave us information not only about its image and adventure, but also about the art of hagiography. It is one of the most important and larger images of the Paleologian period and has been characterized as the most important crucifixion in a portable image.
It presents a scene of the unclean Passion and specifically that immediately after the death of Christ. In the center is Christ with eyes closed, as opposed to other images that want him with eyes half-open. It surrounds 2 symmetrical circles. On the left, the Virgin Mary with the Myrrhors, while on the right John with the centurion behind him. At the top there is the inscription "The King of Glory" while at the base a cave with Adam's skull inside it.
Inside the church there is a special area where the homonymous image is kept under draconian security measures. The reason is that about 35 years ago and a rainy night, the picture was stolen by antiquities. And do not imagine the picture is small. It's a little smaller than a door. So to be able to take it out of the church, they cut it in 4-5 pieces. It was found a few months later and was kept in the Byzantine Museum since its rehabilitation, while in Monemvasia it turned 32 years later after many years of efforts by the Metropolitan and after the necessary guarantees for its security were given. These guarantees concerned the special cabin in which the image is stored and costing over 200,000 euros. In order to enter the cabin, the person in charge of the temple must enter the special code and there are cameras that scan the image every 2 seconds. A! And do not make the mistake of touching the glass. It is alarming.
The value of the image, which is invaluable, was confirmed by the archaeologist of the region who gave us a mini tour and gave us information not only about its image and adventure, but also about the art of hagiography. It is one of the most important and larger images of the Paleologian period and has been characterized as the most important crucifixion in a portable image.
It presents a scene of the unclean Passion and specifically that immediately after the death of Christ. In the center is Christ with eyes closed, as opposed to other images that want him with eyes half-open. It surrounds 2 symmetrical circles. On the left, the Virgin Mary with the Myrrhors, while on the right John with the centurion behind him. At the top there is the inscription "The King of Glory" while at the base a cave with Adam's skull inside it.
Written July 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindadownunder
Perth, Australia2,940 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Church of Christ in Chains is an oasis in the main square and it has limited opening hours.
If it is open make the most of it and have a look as it is beautiful inside.
If it is open make the most of it and have a look as it is beautiful inside.
Written November 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew D
Calpe, Spain650 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Monemvasia is like Carcassonne on sea - but with far less hassle. A beautiful rock location. The church is a beautiful remnant of Byzantine history, serving for centuries as a Christian place of worship. Do visit
Written September 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann0259
Sydney, Australia101 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
This is a beautiful church with is beautifully maintained. Beautiful icons. Worth a short visit and to light a candle.
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susanwalsh
Glasgow, UK1,528 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
The ancient icon is very beautiful. The style and location of the church is superb. The separate campanile and square make a very fitting setting.
Written June 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carole M
Darwin, Australia56 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Very atmospheric; superb icon of Christ now back in the Church and closely guarded and preserved. Certainly worth visiting after your climb up the Rock.
Written May 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gentbrugg
Moscow2,270 contributions
May 2019
In the years of prosperity there were more than 40 churches in Monemvasia. During the Turkish occupation, almost all of them were destroyed or converted into mosques. Currently, there are two acting churches in the Lower town. The temple of Christ in chains, built in 1293, is one of them.
It is small, but considered the most important temple of Monemvasia.
Carved inscription at the entrance indicates that the building was built in 1697, probably on the site of the former church, founded in the 6-7 century. On the left and right sides of the entrance there are two thrones dedicated to the Byzantine Emperor and Empress. Inside the Church are rare Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, including the famous icon of Christ in chains before the crucifixion.
This temple was damaged by frequent invasions of enemies and pirates, and many icons were stolen or transferred to a safe place by order of the Byzantine Emperor. The bell tower was built in the 18th century, the marble iconostasis was created in 1801 on the site of the former wooden, which is now transferred to another church.
Like many other churches, during the Turkish rule, it was turned into a mosque, and in the 19th century it was used as a prison.
It is small, but considered the most important temple of Monemvasia.
Carved inscription at the entrance indicates that the building was built in 1697, probably on the site of the former church, founded in the 6-7 century. On the left and right sides of the entrance there are two thrones dedicated to the Byzantine Emperor and Empress. Inside the Church are rare Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons, including the famous icon of Christ in chains before the crucifixion.
This temple was damaged by frequent invasions of enemies and pirates, and many icons were stolen or transferred to a safe place by order of the Byzantine Emperor. The bell tower was built in the 18th century, the marble iconostasis was created in 1801 on the site of the former wooden, which is now transferred to another church.
Like many other churches, during the Turkish rule, it was turned into a mosque, and in the 19th century it was used as a prison.
Written December 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
authenticityseeker1
Cyprus46 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
The night before a band played to accompany the litany of the feast icon as locals and visiting Greek Orthodox followed around the streets of Monemvasia. What an experience!
Written September 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jose G
Madrid, Spain65 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Not the most interesting visit in Monemvasia. Still it is a nice church from the outside located right in the middle of town
Written August 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you know if there will be a church service this Friday, the day of Zoodoxos Pigi, or any other church in Monemvasia? We would like to book to staybthere but want to attend church on Friday the 21st.
Written April 18, 2017
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