Temple of Sotiras Christos Elefthernas
Overview
The Temple of Sotiras Christos (Christ the Savior), situated in Eleutherna, Crete, is the northern part of a dual-church complex. The church is architecturally significant, showcasing multiple construction phases and modifications that span from the Middle Byzantine period to the Venetian era.\n\rThe church is a small, single-room structure with a dome supported by arches that rest on four pilasters. The apse of this church is built on top of an even larger apse from an older church, possibly from the Early Christian period. The church features remnants of wall paintings, notably a depiction of Christ Pantocrator in the dome, which are dated to the late Middle Byzantine period (late 12th to early 13th centuries).\n\rThe church has undergone several modifications and additions during the late medieval period, particularly during the Venetian presence on the island.