Church of Agios Athanasios in Avdella

The Church of Agios Athanasios in Avdella, Grevena, is an important religious and architectural monument of the 18th century, built by craftsmen from Epirus, known for their expertise throughout Western Macedonia. It is a three-aisled wooden-roofed basilica with a narthex and a two-story women’s gallery on the western side, features that connect it to the local ecclesiastical tradition.

Its architecture shows the evolution of post-Byzantine styles, with a semi-circular interior and a polygonal exterior apse, while the walls are built with stone and reinforced with wooden bindings. Initially, the roof was covered with stone slate tiles, a typical feature of the region.

Inside, there are remarkable 19th-century frescoes that follow folk religious aesthetics, with vibrant colors and simplistic forms. The wooden-carved iconostasis stands out for its gilding and intricate floral and animal motifs, representing a high level of craftsmanship.

Today, the church remains a vibrant religious space and a cultural symbol for Avdella, embodying the history and faith of the community. Its preservation could further enhance its appeal as a destination for lovers of ecclesiastical art and architecture.