Athens News Agency
sept 13 2009

A mountainous 18th century ‘Parthenon’

Characterised as the "Parthenon" of the Pindus Mountain range that
dominates northwest and north-central Greece, the monastery of the
Holy Cross, near the community of Doliana, is one of the most
significant ecclesiastical and historical monuments in Trikala
prefecture. Trikala prefecture already features the imposing Meteora
rock formations and the stunning Orthodox monasteries and chapels
built on the rock summits. Built at an altitude of 1,150 metres in the
"heart" of the rugged mountain range, the monastery’s architectural
style is a composite, according to university professor Pavlos
Mylonas, with the domed basilica and other domes showing at least
three chronological periods of construction, beginning in
1770. Prof. Mylonas, in fact, cites influences from as far away as
Moldavia, old central European architecture as well as Ottoman and
even Armenian styles prevailing in the 18th century. "We’re led to
think of a chief builder that was well-travelled and cosmopolitan,
probably someone that travelled and worked as far as the Danubian
principalities," he said. ANA-MPA / STR