Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Genniseos Theotokou) in Nestorio

The Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Nestorio, Kastoria, is an outstanding example of 11th-century Byzantine architecture, holding significant religious and historical value. Built with a simple yet imposing aesthetic, the church maintains the classic structure of a cross-in-square design with a dome, characteristic of Byzantine churches in Macedonia.

Its interior is adorned with remarkable frescoes that, despite damage from time and humidity, reveal the rich iconographic tradition of the era. Among the surviving depictions, notable scenes include episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary, the Platytera of the Heavens in the dome, and representations of the Divine Liturgy. The wooden iconostasis, a work of a later period, adds to the grandeur of the interior.

Located in the heart of Nestorio, the church functions both as a place of worship and a cultural landmark. Every year, on August 15th, the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated with great religious devotion and public participation. As an important part of Kastoria’s Byzantine heritage, the church combines historical significance with the region’s enduring religious traditions.