At an altitude exceeding 500 meters, in the central square of the village of Mikros Valtos, stands the magnificent church of Saint Demetrius, renowned for its unique technical and architectural value. According to accounts from older residents, the church’s construction began in 1898 by Epirot craftsmen in stone, with assistance from the villagers. Local stone from two areas of the village, Pantelimonas and Koukougera, was used for its construction. The work lasted seven years until 1905, when the church’s frame and roof were completed.
The church is built in a Byzantine cross-in-square style, featuring external stone simplicity and internal splendor, including an ornate gypsum iconostasis and an imposing wooden-carved roof with an inner dome, crafted by architect Andypas. Inside the church, visitors can admire treasured village icons dating back to 1843. Externally, the church’s colorful stained glass windows and sharply pitched roof give it the appearance of a Gothic cathedral, while its exceptional stone masonry, adorned with craftsmanship, adds a beauty characteristic of Byzantine ecclesiastical art.
It stands as a true monument with a long-standing Christian tradition, offering visitors an unobstructed view towards the shores of the Corinthian Gulf and the mountains of Roumeli.
