Saint George church at Xylomacheri
The church of Saint George (Agios Georgios) in position Xylomacheri is located east of the Preveli Monastery, very close to the imposing Kourtaliotis Gorge and at the exit of the Fratiano Gorge. It is a small one-room arched-vaulted church dating from the mid-13th century, which was later expanded to the west. Its interior hosts two layers of frescoes, as after the extension it was re-painted.
The first layer dates back to the middle of the 13th century and is attributed to a skilled hagiographer following the iconographic tradition of the 12th century. The military saints Theodorus, Demetrius, Prokopios and the horseman Saint George stand out.
The second layer dates back to the middle of the 14th century and the painter follows the Paleologean tradition. Scenes can be distinguished from the Christological circle and the life of St. George. Of great importance is the depiction of the Holy Trinity with the Father holding the little Son at his feet and the Holy Spirit as a pigeon coming out of the Father's mouth, where the hagiographer's intention seems to emphasize the doctrine of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit by God, in the Venetian-ruled Crete.
