Holy Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos

The Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Ermoupoli was built in 1829. In 1845, it underwent a major restoration, while in 1892 its original bell tower was replaced by the present one, an impressive tower-like structure rising to a height of 26.50 meters, which dominates the neoclassical city.

The contractor’s documents of 1892, preserved in the Historical Archive of the Cyclades, provide valuable information about the construction and original form of the bell tower. Its lower half is built in masonry of carved marble blocks, while the upper half consists of two levels with large arched openings on all sides. The bell tower is crowned by a hemispherical dome, in which two windows have been opened, allowing access to the outer surface. From there, via a small metal balcony and a metal ladder, maintenance of the lightning rod and the cast bronze cross is possible.

Over time, the bell tower developed serious problems, making it imperative to take measures for its restoration and protection. In addition to structural and construction issues, its aesthetic appearance had been degraded by later interventions incompatible with the monument’s original form. Recognizing its importance as both a monument and a landmark of Ermoupoli, AEGEAS AMKE undertook, through its donation, the preparation of the architectural and structural restoration study, as well as the implementation of the necessary works.

With the completion of the project, the monument was restored, stabilized, and structurally reinforced, while its aesthetic value was enhanced through the removal of all later, poorly executed and incompatible interventions.

DONATION OF THE NON-PROFIT CIVIL COMPANY AEGEAS

• Restoration of the bell tower.