Travel to Greece: Hosios Loukas

The monastery of Hosios Loukas, not far from Delphi but closer to Steiri, has an 11th century Byzantine church with spectacular mosaics, many of which have survived the attacks of Crusaders, Turks, and Venetians, as well as decades of abandonment during the early 19th century.

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The view from the monastery. Loukas, who was born in Kastri, the village that was on the site of Delphi, died here in 953. The church was begun soon after.

The site could hardly be more idyllic, but the church and surrounding buildings have been treated roughly over the centuries. The central dome, for example, was destroyed in 1593, and its mosaics were not replaced.

From above, you can see the dome of the Katholikon, one of the two churches on the site; the other is to its left.

Monks' quarters.

The nave and sanctuary.

Above the sanctuary, the virgin is enthroned; still higher, a circle of the pentecost.

Theis is the replacement central dome, showing Christ Pentacrator in paint, not mosaic. The work was executed in the 17th century.

Saints Anthimos, Eleutherios, Polykarpos, and Antipas.

Christ Pantocrator.

Zacharias above Panteleimon

The road east.