The Church of the Koimesis in Alikambos is located on the route from the north of Crete towards Chora Sfakion, just outside the village and is indicated by a brown sign on the side of the road. You can park your car at the old Venetian spring that is there and then walk down the stairs.
The church itself is not much very impressive at first glance: it is small and painted in a light pastel yellow. In a large tree next to the church hangs a heavy church bell. The original church dates back to 870 AD but the church as it is now dates from around 1000 AD.
Inside the church are very well conserved frescoes painted by Ioannis Pagomenos in 1315 and 1326 AD. There are also several figures without clothes on and Ioannis Pagomenis (who has left a signature with his frescoes) was the first who did that. In his time this was regarded as erotic.
Of course the church is closed. You can pick up the key at the kafenion in Alikambos, but I understand that the Papas than comes with you and you should bring him back as well. All in all, a litle bit complicated and it takes some time. I have taken some photos through a small window (with bars) in the door, in which you still can see some of the frescoes. All the walls of this church are painted and completely intact and that makes him very special. The church contains many scenes, including Judas giving Jesus a kiss, Adam and Eve, of course the Virgin Mary and truly unique: the King of Constantinople and his mother (to my knowledge there is only 1 other church in Crete with images like that, a church in Pirgos).
For the lovers of old churches there is another one just 3 kilometres northwest of Alikambos, in the village of Maza. This church also contains frescoes, but these are not as well preserved as the ones in the Byzantine church of Alikambos.
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Set in the historic village of Alikambos, Querini Villas offers stone-built accommodation with a private swimming pool surrounded by well-kept gardens. Split in 2 levels, each villa has a fully equipped kitchen and opens out to a furnished patio. The spacious villas consist of 2 separate bedrooms, a living room with fireplace and a large bathroom with bathtub. They are equipped with DVD player, satellite TV, microwave and stove. Guests can sit at the lounge area under the pergola, take a refreshing swim in the pool or have a BBQ at the on-site facilities. Free private parking is also available. The nearest beach is 10 km away from the villas. The village of Georgioupolis is also 10 km away. The picturesque town of Chania is at 45 km.
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