Taxiarchis Michael Stratilatis

The historic Chapel of Taxiarchis Michael Stratilatis in Lindos, Rhodes, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, is a hidden Byzantine gem set within a lush green landscape just below the village’s main square.

Dating back to the Byzantine period, the chapel was built on the ruins of an earlier church. One of its most unusual features is the entrance, positioned in the centre of the northern wall rather than the western side, as is customary in most churches. This unusual arrangement is due to the western wall lying below ground level.

Stepping inside, visitors are met by an impressive Byzantine fresco of the Archangel Michael on the opposite wall. Remarkably well preserved despite the passage of centuries, it remains one of the chapel’s most striking features. The religious paintings decorating the iconostasis are also worth noting.

Inside the sanctuary, a surviving column capital was once used as the Holy Altar, while two others can also be seen within the chapel.

Over the years, conservation work has been carried out on the chapel and its valuable frescoes, helping preserve this important part of Rhodes Byzantine heritage.

The Taxiarchis Michael Stratilatis Chapel is usually closed, opening only on special occasions, such as its feast day on 8 November. A festive morning Divine Liturgy draws many worshippers for the Feast of the Synaxis of the Archangels. If you visit Lindos village on this day, don’t miss the chance to see it.