The Church of Saint Paul and the Early Christian Baptistery near Kamilari
Location and Historical Significance
The Church of Saint Paul and the early Christian Baptistery are located near the village of Kamilari, Crete, Greece. The church is situated on the eastern side of the road, surrounded by a small cemetery. The baptistery is located at the entrance of the village of Agios Ioannis, near Phaistos.
According to tradition, the Apostle Paul passed through this area on his way to Gortyna, the then capital of Crete. He is said to have stayed for two days and preached the word of Christ. The baptistery was built on the spot where he is believed to have preached, while the church was built later, in the 13th century.
Architectural Features
The Church of Saint Paul is a Byzantine church with a cruciform shape and a large dome in the center. It has a narthex, which is an antechamber at the front of the church. The narthex is unusually large, being almost as big as the church itself. The church is decorated with frescoes, the best of which is the one of the Evangelists.
The early Christian baptistery is a square building with a dome. It was originally a separate building, but it was later incorporated into the Church of Saint Paul. The baptistery has a font in the center, which is surrounded by benches. The walls of the baptistery are decorated with frescoes, which depict scenes from the life of John the Baptist.
Religious Importance
The Church of Saint Paul and the early Christian Baptistery are both important religious sites. The church is a popular pilgrimage site for Christians from Crete and other parts of Greece. The baptistery is also a significant historical site, as it is one of the few surviving early Christian baptisteries in Crete.
Additional Information
- The early Christian baptistery is not open to the public, but it can be seen from the outside.
