Red Church (Vourgareli) Explained

Building Name:Red Church
Location:Vourgareli, Greece
Geo:39.3546°N 21.1861°W
Religious Affiliation:Church of Greece
Status:monument

The Red Church (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Κόκκινη Εκκλησιά) is a Byzantine church from in the village of Vourgareli in the Tzoumerka region of Greece.[1]

It was founded as the katholikon of a monastery by the brothers John and Theodore Tzimiskes, who held the rank of protostrator.[1] The church was originally dedicated to the birth of the Theotokos, but became known as the "Red Church" due to the colour of its masonry. Historically, it was also known as "Panagia of Vella" (Παναγία Βελλάς), as it was a metochi of the Vella Monastery, and as "Royal Monastery" (Βασιλομονάστηρο), due to its importance.[1]

Due to their strong similarity, it has been suggested that the church was built by the same workshop that erected the (also known as St. Clement) in Ohrid in 1295.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Κόκκινη Εκκλησιά: Το στολίδι των Τζουμέρκων . The Red Church: The Jewel of the Tzoumerka . Greek . 18 May 2018 . 11 October 2020 . . Nikos Karavasilis.
  2. Web site: Ohrid - St Kliment . Late Byzantine Period (1204–1453) . Foundation of the Hellenic World . 1998 . 11 October 2020.