Hermitage of Agios Theodoros the Tyron in Avles
If you find yourself in the village of Avles, the Hermitage of Agios Theodoros the Tyron is well worth a visit—a 11th-century place of worship carved directly into the rock. According to tradition, the saint lived here as a hermit, leaving behind a Holy Altar hewn into stone. Above the hermitage, two cave chapels preserve remarkable frescoes depicting Christ Pantocrator, the Communion of the Apostles, and the Transfiguration—fine examples of Byzantine artistic expression. Outside, the remains of a later church can still be seen, built after the saint’s death, with its western section believed to have served as his tomb. Each year, during the celebration of Agios Theodoros on the first Saturday of Lent, the site comes alive with a unique atmosphere: icons placed along the path, pilgrims arriving from nearby villages, traditional music, dancing, and local food all come together to create a warm, deeply rooted celebration that invites you to be part of it.
