The beautiful Byzantine Monastery of Metamorfossi, or Kimisis Theotokou, dominates the village square and is an outstanding building for such a small place. It was constructed in 1060 on top of an older basilica and added to in the 1700s with two further apses, and these, by all accounts, added to hide a subterranean crypt where a secret school convened for meetings. It is built with warm honey-coloured stone and has barrel roofs and a red-tiled dome.
The interior of the church is unusual in that there are "strips" running all along the walls depicting biblical scenes from the Old Testament, said to have been painted by a grand master from Hios. These include depictions from the Creation through to the Expulsion from Eden, the taking of Adam’s rib to form Eve, and the life of the prophet Daniel. The 15th-century frescos in the nave are all in good condition, owing to the particularly dry climate up here in the mountains. There are several chandeliers, all well preserved, and I could not help but take a sneaky picture through the doorway as we passed by.
The church contains wonderful hokhlaki flooring, as does the expansive courtyard that surrounds it. The bell tower is unusual in that it is situated some distance from the church entrance at one of the gateways into the courtyard. This, like many churches on Rhodes, is built in the tiered "wedding cake" style and is a lovely piece of architecture.
The church and its courtyard have an aura of tranquility about them, and again, it felt good to be the only visitor here on such a beautiful, hot day. It is open to the public every day from 9am to 6pm, although visitors are discouraged during services. Donations are welcome but not expected.
Adjacent to the church are the old priests’ quarters, which now form the local museum. This is to be featured in its own entry.