Church of Saint George at Ancient Lyktos
The church of Saint George (Agios Georgios) is located in the archeological site of Lyttos near Kastelli, province Pediada, and is one of the oldest churches in Crete. The church is built on the site of an early Christian basilica of Lyttos, as evidenced by sections of mosaic floors that have been identified, as well as the reliefs embedded in the walls. The church belongs to the type of three-aisled basilica, despite its very small size. The three aisles are separated by two arches supported by ancient columns.
The interior preserves fragmentary iconographic decoration in two layers with scenes of Saint George and from the Christological cycle. The saints of the desert, Paphnutius and Onuphrius, occupy a particularly prominent position. The second construction phase of the temple, probably very close to the first, can be placed in the 14th century, during which the dome of the central aisle was reconstructed and the second layer of frescoes was adorned. The church celebrates the feast of Saint George, on April 23.
