Dormition of the Virgin Mary

The Panagia Church in Salakos Village, located 38 km away from Rhodes Town, is found just beyond the village square, surrounded by a serene landscape of cypress trees. It is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

Built in the 14th century, it features distinctive Byzantine architecture and serves as both the parish church and the cemetery church for the community of Salakos.

Entering the church, visitors encounter an atmosphere of tranquillity and reverence. While mainly portable icons survive from its original decoration, the interior is richly adorned with later frescoes depicting saints and scenes from the life of Christ.

Among the highlights is the Pantocrator depicted in the dome. Another striking feature is the elaborate carved and gilded wooden shrine, which houses a rare icon depicting the Lamentation over the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. The traditional pebble mosaic floor, a characteristic feature found in many Orthodox churches across Rhodes, adds to the building’s distinctive character.

The Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Koimisi tis Theotokou) in Salakos is known throughout Rhodes for its strong spiritual and social role in the local community. The priest and nun who care for the church welcome worshippers from across the island, particularly on Sundays.

During Easter and especially Holy Week, the church takes on a deeply reverent atmosphere as local worshippers gather for the services. Visitors in Rhodes during this period can experience an important part of the village’s religious traditions.

Feast Day and Panigyri of Panagia in Salakos

The Church honors the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on 15 August. On 14 August, the Epitaph of Panagia is carried through the village while hymns to the Virgin Mary are sung. In the evening of 15 August, a traditional festival with dancing and local food takes place in the courtyard of the church.