Church of Taxiarches at Areopoli
The Metropolitan church of Taxiarches dominates the centre of Areololis, at the historical square of the 17th of March 1821. Here, on this day, the notables of Mani, under the leadership of Petrobey Mavromichalis, declared the Revolution after church service, starting the struggle against the Ottoman conquerors.
The church was built during the Turkish Occupation, at the end of the 18th century by the Mavromichalis family. It is a large, vaulted church with arches. It is built with well-processed stones, standing out for its impressive five-storey bell tower, visible from afar. The walled-in inscription informs the visitor that the bell tower was added in 1836.
The ten-sided dome of the church and the five-sided arch of the altar are externally decorated with small marble columns and marble arches with relief elements, while embossed is the door and window frames. Of particular interest are the stone reliefs decorating both the gate of the church and the arch of the altar, representative works of folk art dating to the end of the 18th century. The reliefs over the entrance date in 1798 depict Archangels Michael and Gabriel and saints George and Theodoros on horses, figures that are clearly related to the military character of the founders. The decoration of the arch consists of an exceptional series of small reliefs depicting the zodiac circle.
The visitor may admire the beautiful wooden screen and the devotional wall paintings inside the church. The church is decorated with carved furniture. It celebrates on the 8th of November.