In the ruins of a Byzantine temple of Kerasia
The church that is situated 2 km southwest of the settlement of Kerasia known as "Temple B of Kerasia" dates to the 11th-12th century. This is the katholikon, that is, the main temple of the monastery. In Narthex there is a mural decoration. The floor of the sanctuary was paved with marble slabs in contrast to the plaster that covered the floor of the rest of the temple. The temple had a marble iconostasis as seen from the sculptures found.
Mount Papikion was an important monastic center during the Byzantine period. From the end of the 11th century there are written sources mainly of Byzantine historians that are confirmed by the research of archeologists for the existence of temples and monasteries in the area. Unfortunately, after the 12th century the monastic center declined and was gradually abandoned. From the decoration of the monastic complexes, it is certain that there was an artistic influence from the nearby important centers of the Byzantine Empire but also from the capital. In most of them, the buildings of the complexes are partially preserved in a dilapidated condition.
Access is from the villages of Sostis, Mischos through forest roads.
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