Church of Agios Georgios in Florina

The historic Church of Agios Georgios, built in 1835, is one of the most important religious monuments in Florina. According to historian Georgios Modis, its construction took place without official Ottoman permission, but with the tolerance of a local Albanian pasha. Tradition has it that the church was completed in just 35 days, a testament to the enthusiasm of the local community.

As a three-aisled wooden-roofed basilica with a narthex, the church features a notable wooden iconostasis and a rich historical background. In its courtyard, there used to be a monk’s hostel, a candle workshop, and a large fountain for holy water. In 1921, the characteristic bell tower was added, designed by Dimitrios Tousis, and in 1980, the church was enriched with new frescoes by the iconographer Nikolaos Zografos.

The church holds particular historical significance for Florina, as it hosted the first official thanksgiving service for the liberation of the city in 1912, attended by Crown Prince Constantine and Metropolitan Polycarpus— a tradition that continues to this day. After its reconstruction (1948-1950), the church continues to be a living center of religious and social life, connecting the present of the city with its historical memory. Its simple yet history-filled architecture makes it one of the most beloved churches in the city.