Church of Agios Nikolaos Karydis in Kastoria

The Church of Agios Nikolaos Karydis, a small and picturesque single-aisled church, is located in the traditional settlement of Doltso, in the heart of Kastoria. It was built in 1711 during the Ottoman period and belongs to the type of timber-roofed basilica, characteristic of churches from that era. The church is dedicated to Agios Nikolaos, one of the most beloved saints in Orthodox tradition.

The church’s interior features an impressive wooden iconostasis, dating to the same period as the building's construction. The iconostasis holds five large icons: from left to right, Agios Athanasios, the Virgin Mary Elpis, Christ Pantocrator, Agios Ioannid the Baptist, and Agios Nikolaos. Although some of the church’s frescoes are poorly preserved, they can still be found in the eastern and western sections of the building, while fragments are visible in the narthex, albeit in a deteriorated state.

The Church of Agios Nikolaos Karydis is an important example of post-Byzantine art and architecture, combining the simplicity of its structure with the rich decoration of its interior. The presence of the wooden iconostasis and frescoes makes it one of Kastoria’s most interesting churches, highlighting the city’s spiritual and artistic heritage during the Ottoman period.