Agios Petros (Arei)

This Byzantine church from the 10^th -12^th century, built in the district of Arei, near Milopotamos, is a little marvel of architecture: cross-registered with polygonal dome and no narthex. Two layers of frescoes are preserved, Byzantine and post-Byzantine, as well as the painted ornament in three parts of the sanctuary: the prosthesis on the left, the main sanctuary and the diakonikon on the right. These three do not communicate with each other, possibly because during Venetocracy the prosthesis and the diakonikon would be used as adjacent sanctuaries, according to Catholic customs. Another novelty is that in the apse of the sanctuary the image of “Panaghia Platytera” (Virgin of the Sign) usually depicted, has been replaced by that of Saint Peter. Remains of prehistoric structures have been found in the church’s courtyard. The church is located on a side street at the village entrance, among many pine trees and has spectacular views of the central parts of the island and Milopotamos.