Saint Phanourios Church

Saint Phanourios Church (Agios Fanourios), nestled in the heart of Rhodes Medieval Town, just steps from the Gate of Saint Athanasius, is a cherished pilgrimage site among the locals, rich in history and tradition.

Built below street level in the 13th century on the ruins of an earlier church, the building was not originally dedicated to Saint Phanourios. The saint was unknown until the early 15th century, when the Knights Hospitaller discovered his icon at this very site.

During the Ottoman occupation, the church was converted into a mosque, as happened with many Christian churches in Rhodes, and was known as Peial el Din Medjid. The same name appears in references from the period of Italian rule.

The church was officially dedicated to Saint Phanourios in 1946, following the end of the Second World War. Since then, Agios Fanourios has been regarded as the patron saint of Rhodes, with local residents maintaining a deep devotion to both the saint and this historic church.

As you enter, the first striking sight is the icon of Saint Phanourios, displayed on a large, intricately carved wooden icon stand. Continuing down another level, you enter the main church, where the atmosphere becomes notably peaceful and devotional.

The interior preserves remarkable frescoes dating from the 13th to the 15th century. Among the most notable is the imposing Christ Pantocrator in the dome above the main nave. The church’s beautiful gilded wooden iconostasis is richly decorated with rare Orthodox icons. On its right side, a separate icon stand houses the silver-plated icon of Saint Phanourios, one of the most distinctive treasures inside the church.

During Greek Easter, the church becomes particularly atmospheric. The narrow, cobbled alleys leading to Saint Phanourios is decorated with scenes representing Holy Week, while Great Friday brings one of the island’s most impressive Epitaphios processions.

Another noteworthy tradition is Fanouropita, a cake made with nine ingredients and prepared as a votive offering when someone loses an item and asks Saint Phanourios to help reveal its whereabouts. It is blessed during the Divine Liturgy and then shared among the faithful.

Feast Day and Panigyri of Agios Fanourios in Medieval Town

The feast of Saint Phanourios is celebrated on 27 August, with the Medieval Town hosting one of Rhodes’ best-known traditional festivals each evening from 25 to 27 August in Dorieos Square, located just behind the church. On the night before the feast, on 26 August, after the festive Vespers service, don’t miss the grand procession of his icon through the charming streets of Rhodes Old Town, followed by the military, a marching band, and many worshippers from across the island.