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The Temple of Agia Theodora
Walking down Vasileos Pirrou Street, one of the main streets in Arta, our aim was to find the temple of Aghia Theodora. Nearly 900 years old and initially a women’s Monastery devoted to Aghios Georgios, this temple has become a reference point for the history of the city, enhancing the ties between its past and its present. Devoted to Aghia Theodora, Queen of Epirus –founded by Aggeloi Komninoi Doukes just after the 1204 crusades in Constantinople- she was withdrawn there during the last years of her life. Half way there, we finally bumped into the typical green sign informing us that we found what we were looking for. Heading for a really narrow alley we were confronted with the ruins of an aesthetically pleasing arch that the locals refer to it as ‘Doksa’ (Glory). Surprisingly enough, passing under the arch, we discovered that the yard of the church was also the yard of the houses in the neighbourhood and eventually used as a parking lot. Trying to overcome these bad impressions, we are approaching the byzantine monument with an admiration, overwhelmed by the history of this 900 years old monument and the stories about the erotic affair that shocked the society of Arta, back in the 13th century. The arch, the well, the small church ‘Metamorphosis’ and of course the main temple is what is left from the use of the building as a women’s Monastery devoted to Aghios Georgios. This complex of buildings was built in three different periods, according to researches. The original temple was built either on 11th century or 12th century and had Basilican type of architecture. This architecture is preserved until today. In mid 13th century, Michael II Aggelos Komninos-Doukas, ruler of Epirus, in a gesture of sincere regret for his behaviour towards his wife, Queen Theodora, he renovated the temple. Additionally, he supported the construction of two more monasteries; the monastery of Kato Panagia and the Monastery of Panagia Vlahernon in the local village of Tzoumerka Mt. Michael II repented as a result of an erotic affair that shocked the local society. The ruler of Epirus fell in love with Gaggrini a local woman belonging to the high society of Arta. His love for this woman pushed him to bring her in the Royal Courtyard and soon next to him on the throne of Epirus, together they had two sons. It was at this point that Queen Theodora decided to abandon the palace. Escorted by her son, Nikiforos, she was wondering for almost five years on the Tzoumerka Mountains feeding only on cabbages. Theodora was eventually traced down. The people of Arta, who adored her for her modesty, religiousness and philanthropies, outraged by the vicious life of Michael II, demanded her return to the palace as the lawful Queen. Many of these marvellous byzantine monuments in Arta came as a result of Michael’s sincere regret for his deeds, which couldn’t be realised without some ‘help’ by the people of Arta. After Michael’s death, Queen Theodora was withdrawn to this monastery where she spent the last 10 years of her life. She died in 1281 and was procured a saint (Aghia) by the people of Arta. She was buried in the monastery, which eventually became a temple named after her. The third and final addition in the structure of the temple took part in the late 13th century or at the dawn of 14th century. The interior of the temple is not very spacious; furthermore, the maintenance works have reduced the space at the back of the temple. The restoration of the iconographies has progressed, revealing the forms of saints with an exquisite coloration. Though, what makes the interior so special, are the Corinthian columns that support the wooden roof. It is certain that these columns were ‘borrowed’ by the ancient city of Nikopolis in an ‘exchange’ that was going on at the time between the two ancient cities. In a way, the columns came back home. Temple of Aghia Theodora Photos Temple of Aghia Theodora Interior - Photos TEMPLE OF AGIA THEODORA – SIGHTSEEING IN ARTA |
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