Church of Mikri Panagia in Samarina

The Church of Mikri Panagia in Samarina, Grevena, dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos, is a remarkable example of 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture. It is a three-aisled, wooden-roofed basilica with a semicircular apse and a spacious narthex, dating to 1865, according to a stone-carved inscription above the main entrance lintel. The inscription mentions a master builder named Giannis; however, the presence of an embedded inscription from 1799 suggests the existence of an earlier church on the same site.

The church's construction is impressive, featuring roughly hewn limestone blocks arranged in layers of varying thickness. The sanctuary apse, adorned with a blind arcade of semicircular arches, along with the intricately carved stone doorframes, resembles elements of the nearby Megali Panagia, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. Inside, the church houses an exquisitely crafted Baroque wooden iconostasis, one of its most striking artistic features.

Unfortunately, many of the church’s portable icons have been stolen in recent years, depriving the monument of a significant part of its cultural heritage. Despite this loss, the Church of Mikri Panagia remains an important religious and architectural treasure, reflecting the history and artistry of Samarina and the wider Grevena region.