Sisanio Episcopal Church: A majestic Middle Byzantine church

A fresco of the Virgin Mary, with a bishop kneeling before her, suggests that the church served as an episcopal seat and was dedicated to the Theotokos. As is often the case, the church – a three-aisled basilica – was built over an earlier structure and dates to the 11th – 12th century. Following its destruction, possibly by an earthquake, it was repaired during the second half of the 13th century. These restoration works brought about substantial alterations to the appearance of the monument.

The surviving frescoes, preserved only in their lower sections, are of exceptional artistry, with most dating to the 13th century. Measuring 23 × 16.5 metres, the church ranks among the larger religious monuments encountered in Macedonia during the Middle Byzantine period, alongside the Old Metropolitan Church of Veria and the Metropolitan Church of Serres.