Church of Agios Nikolaos in Mavrochori

On the southern shore of Lake Kastoria, on the eastern side of Mavrochori, stands the post-Byzantine Church of Agios Nikolaos, built in the 16th century. It likely served as the katholikon of a monastery, possibly linked to the estates of Panagia Mavriotissa, highlighting the region’s monastic history.

The church boasts exceptional 18th-century frescoes, with the most striking being the poignant depiction of the Massacre of the Innocents on the exterior wall of the narthex. Beyond their artistic value, these frescoes serve as a testament to the religious life and iconographic traditions of the late Byzantine period.

Today, the Church of Agios Nikolaos remains a living monument to the historical and spiritual heritage of Mavrochori. Its strategic location by the lake, combined with its architectural simplicity and rich iconographic decoration, makes it one of the most significant churches in the greater Kastoria region, offering a unique glimpse into post-Byzantine art and worship in Western Macedonia.