Saturday, February 19, 2011

St. Nicholas Churches Around the World - Katakolo, Greece

St. Nicholas Church, Katakolo, Greece

Katakolo is the lovely little seaside town whose main fame today is that it is the modern port that services Ancient Olympia. Ancient Olympia - one of the most beautiful places in the ancient Greek world -  is located approximately 20 miles into the interior of the district of Elias.
As with most - if not all - seaside towns in Greece, Katakolo has a church dedicated to its patron saint, Nicholas. (Nikolaos - which is how St. Nicholas would have spelled his name using Latin letters!) Located at the base of a dormant volcano and at the beginning of the village, this little church shines forth as a welcoming beacon to the thousands of tourists who come though this beautiful village each year, via the modern, mega cruise ships.
The Wharf
Image courtesy: Kotakolon Port
Numerous cafe's and restaurants are to be found along the wharf. Normally Greek fisherman are to be seen taking their colorful fishing boats out upon the sea. The seafood at these restaurants often comes from their catch!
Icon of St. Nicholas at the St. Nicholas Church

This is an especially lovely icon of this Christian who, as these churches in this series, "St. Nicholas Churches Around the World" declares, is loved the world over!

23 comments:

Lois Evensen said...

What a beautiful church and town. I especially like the image at the seaside. Beautiful reflections and colors.

Diane said...

Lovely post, thanks for the info. Diane

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Hi Ann
Such a beautiful church and lovely town.. So you have visited here?
I see a few of the images are yours.
Beautiful post
fondly,
Penny

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

ANN!!! TAKE ME WITH YOU!!! Greece, next to my beloved France, is my destination for inspiration! I have a GORGEOUS PHOTO OF THE SEASIDE of Greece; I should use it in a post. How are you today dear one? GIVE EDWARD A GENTLE SQUEEZE! Anita

Dogwood said...

Beautiful. I love the old churches that you share with us. Thanks.
Smiles and have a fun weekend.

Elaine said...

Beautiful seaside town and church.

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Ann You are simply wonderful how you find all this information.Gosh, and these photos are probably where the disciples of Christ walked..It is so special to those of us who believe.
A BIG HUG AND KISS FROM ME OOOXXX

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Good evening Ann
Thank you for visiting.. Your beautiful comment just made my day.. How very kind of you.. I was not really sure about the little birds I paintied.. They were just out my heard, no reference, so I am not even sure what kind they are. So you can see how your words have touched my heart.. Thank you so much.
Blessings,
Penny

Cindy Adkins said...

I just popped over to say "hi" and wish you a beautiful Sunday!!!
XO

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Teeeheee! You saw Ruben on the sidebar? He is a wonder that man. A Ph.D that can rattle off history of the church, talk politics, write with a wit, but can also build with his hands and play with the imagination of a young child. Thank you for noticing my sweetheart!!! Have a great day, Ann! Anita

Junibears said...

So lovely to read your blog and visit all these lovely churches and see the wonderful photos, especially when you are stuck at home like me. Thank you Ann. Hugs xx

Pat said...

Beautiful part of the world! Must come back again one day.. your post makes my feet itch! :) xx

Zuzana said...

Looks like a beautiful little church. Love the shot of the wharf.;)
Have a lovely Sunday dear Ann,
xoxo

WhiteWhispers2u said...

Beautiful photos, love the history of it.~Cheers Kim

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Beautiful Greece! I have been to Kreta many years ago.
Have a sweet Sunday, Ann xxxx

Mandie said...

Such a beautiful church and the warf looks so dreamy.

Half-heard in the Stillness said...

Happy Monday Ann not forgetting Edward!

This small church looks so neat and welcoming.

Hugs Jane

k said...

they are all so pretty in their own ways!

My Mind's Eye said...

What a pretty church on the hill.
I love all the white in the Greek architecture....especially against the blue skies.
Madi and Mom

My Mind's Eye said...

The Greek architecture is so pretty and the white against the blue skies.

You might get my post twice...
Tell Edward hi,
Madi and Mom

Anonymous said...

really beautiful town and church and the icon is really cool. I just love Renaissance art period. So incredibly ornate and beautifully done.
xx Emily from EL Vintage

PS- Thank you for the super sweet comment on Alice. She is definitely a joy. :-)

Michele said...

i love the photos -- would love to visit such a beautiful place. the icon is also most moving. hoping you are well and sending love your way. xo

Sara Bentley said...

What a beautiful little church -- its whitewashing reminds me of Greek island churches! And your description of the little port town it's situated in makes me wish to be there right now!! So charming :)