The Church of Agia Sophia

The church of Agia Sophia or Panagia Odegetria is an octagonal domed church built in the 12th century (1149-1150) in the Upper Town of Monemvasia, and today it is the most important monument of the Castle. The temple’s sculptural decoration dates back to the 12th century, and the frescoes date back to the late 12th-early 13th century. Written and oral tradition connects the church with Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos (1282-1328). According to historical sources, the church was dedicated to Panagia Odegetria. In contrast, after the Revolution of 1821, it was dedicated to God’s Wisdom (Sophia) since it was considered a faithful copy of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The dates 1827 and 1845 on the west face correspond to the years of repair work done on the church.

The church of Agia Sophia, which followed all the city’s historical periods, was converted into a mosque and a catholicon of a Western denomination with the addition of a minaret and a two-storey narthex, respectively. Finally, during the Second Ottoman rule, it re-functioned as a Muslim Mosque, and the frescoes of the temple were covered with plaster.