On the Nisimos Plateau in Lasithi, on its southwestern side, stands the country chapel of Saint Ariadne.
The small church was built in 1995 by the dentist Emmaneul N. Spanakis, as is also recorded on a marble plaque set into the western exterior wall, beside its entrance.
Constructed of local stone, it stands out against the expansive plateau, which is lush green during the winter months and dry during the summer.
The church is single-naved and barrel-vaulted, as prescribed by the architectural tradition of churches in Crete. Its interior is simple and has no iconostasis. The sanctuary is separated from the nave by low marble panels.
There are only a few icons adorning the church, chiefly those of Saint Ariadne, whom the church honors. The Saint's name was borne by the founder's mother, Ariadne Spanaki Vogiaki.
In the enclosed courtyard, fenced to prevent the herds that graze freely in the area from entering, there is a tomb constructed of the same stone, without any identifying markings indicating that a burial has taken place.
Saint Ariadne is celebrated each year on September 18, giving the founder's family, as well as residents of the Lasithi Plateau, an opportunity to honor her at her church in Nisimos, which is said to be the only church in Crete dedicated to this particular Saint.
The small church was built in 1995 by the dentist Emmaneul N. Spanakis, as is also recorded on a marble plaque set into the western exterior wall, beside its entrance.
Constructed of local stone, it stands out against the expansive plateau, which is lush green during the winter months and dry during the summer.
The church is single-naved and barrel-vaulted, as prescribed by the architectural tradition of churches in Crete. Its interior is simple and has no iconostasis. The sanctuary is separated from the nave by low marble panels.
There are only a few icons adorning the church, chiefly those of Saint Ariadne, whom the church honors. The Saint's name was borne by the founder's mother, Ariadne Spanaki Vogiaki.
In the enclosed courtyard, fenced to prevent the herds that graze freely in the area from entering, there is a tomb constructed of the same stone, without any identifying markings indicating that a burial has taken place.
Saint Ariadne is celebrated each year on September 18, giving the founder's family, as well as residents of the Lasithi Plateau, an opportunity to honor her at her church in Nisimos, which is said to be the only church in Crete dedicated to this particular Saint.
