Dormition of the Virgin Mary

In South Rhodes, 64 km from Rhodes Town, Panagia Church in Asklipio is a historic stone-built landmark dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Koimisi tis Theotokou), standing prominently on the village square.

Blending naturally with Asklipio’s traditional architecture, the church dates from the 15th–16th centuries, with extensions added in the 19th century. Its distinctive pebble-mosaic flooring extends throughout the interior and much of the surrounding courtyard, with sections dating from 1886–1889.

Inside, the church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary offers a remarkable atmosphere of reverence and is covered with exceptionally well-preserved frescoes dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Among the most notable is the depiction of Archangel Michael, positioned to the left of the 19th-century carved wooden iconostasis.

Other highlights include frescoes depicting scenes from the Apocalypse and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, as well as the striking Pantocrator fresco dominating the church’s dome. Together, these works provide an important glimpse into the religious art and heritage of medieval Rhodes.

The village museum, located beside the church, houses a collection of sacred artefacts dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Visitors can see liturgical chalices, crosses, censers, vestments, icons and religious books connected with Orthodox worship.

Feast Day and Panigyri of Panagia in Asklipio

Panagia Church in Asklipio Village celebrates its feast day on 15 August. That evening, Asklipio’s central square hosts one of Rhodes’ largest traditional festivals, attracting thousands of visitors for an evening of celebration and local tradition. If you are visiting Rhodes at this time, it offers a memorable opportunity to experience the island’s cultural heritage firsthand.