Church of Megali Panagia in Samarina

The Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, also known as Megali Panagia, is the metropolitan church of Samarina and one of the most significant monuments in the region. Built around 1800, it is a massive three-aisled, wooden-roofed basilica with a multi-sided exterior apse, an elevated two-story narthex and women's gallery to the west, and an open portico on the western and southern sides. A distinctive feature of the church is the large pine tree growing from the sanctuary apse since around 1850, giving it a unique atmosphere.

The church is constructed of finely hewn limestone blocks, with carefully crafted corners and semicircular arches. The stone-carved decoration of the southwestern entrance, dated to 1816, is an important example of folk art. The church interior is entirely adorned with frescoes painted by the Samarina-born artists Christos and Antonios, completed in 1829. The decorative program includes scenes from the Marian and Christological cycles, influenced by Western Baroque and folk art.

The intricately carved and gilded wooden iconostasis is a masterpiece, featuring works by Michail Anagnostou, including the Despotic icon of the Virgin Mary holding Christ (1811). Today, many of the church’s icons have been stolen and replaced with replicas, though the ornate wooden ceiling still retains its original floral decoration. The Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos remains an important cultural and religious treasure, reflecting the rich history and artistic heritage of Samarina.