Panagia Odigitria (Agitria) Chapel near Mezapos, Mani

Panagia Odigitria (Παναγία η Οδηγήτρια), also known as Agitria (Αγήτρια) to the locals, is one of the most beautiful chapels in Mani. The temple is built on a steep slope on the cliffs of Mezalimon (Μεζαλίμονας), the first bay west of Tigani, and stands almost always in the shade, invisible, surrounded by Pistacia (σχίνοι) and mullein (φλόμος) shrubs.

Getting There

It is not difficult to visit the chapel: leave the car on the road some meters before Agia Kyriaki cemetery (there is a road sign to the chapel) and then walk on an easy road for about 500m, till the cliff edge. From there, you can see the chapel built against the steep rocky cliffs of Cavo Grosso and next to a cave, which has remnants of human activities. The chapel from here looks like a bird’s nest built in the rock.

The Chapel

A steep but easy path starts from here to the chapel. Panagia Odigitria is a byzantine cruciform church with a dome (dates back to the 12th century) with beautiful marble reliefs, columns, and carved bird motifs on the floor. The two doors to the chapel are unlocked so the visitor can admire the hagiographies (frescos), which are faded, but of exceptional beauty and high artistic value. There are also newer hagiographies dated to 1808.

From inside the church, you can hear the roar of the water, and from its courtyard, the view of Cape Tigani is unique. The scenery is one of the best I have ever visited, so try to stay here for a while to absorb as much as possible of this earthly paradise.