Holy Church of Saint Basil

The Byzantine Church of Saint Basil is located on the western outskirts of the settlement of Koutifari Thalamon. It is a single-aisled domed church, distinguished by its impressive octagonal dome rising above its eastern section. In the post-Byzantine period, the church was extended westwards through the lengthening of the western arm of the cross.

The monument remained in a ruinous condition until the late 1960s, when it was restored by the Archaeological Service. Inside, wall paintings from at least two distinct periods are preserved. The original Byzantine decoration, dating to the late 13th century, survives on the arches of both the western and eastern sections.

In the post-Byzantine period, the church was redecorated with wall paintings, which are best preserved in the area of the apse of the sanctuary. Based on epigraphic and stylistic evidence, they are attributed to at least two different painters. The inscription bearing the date 1711 (ΑΨΙΑ), located in the prothesis, records the execution of this decoration, shortly before the end of the brief Second Venetian Rule (1685–1715).

AEGEAS AMKE undertook the conservation and stabilization of the church’s wall painting decoration, in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Messenia. Through this valuable intervention, the preservation and enhancement of an important monument of our cultural heritage is ensured.

DONATION OF THE NON-PROFIT CIVIL COMPANY AEGEAS

• Conservation of the wall painting decoration of the Holy Church.