Anatoliki Fragkista

Anatoliki Fragkista is particularly well suited for exploring on foot. The old lanes lead from the central square to churches, traditional houses, fountains and old communal washhouses, while abundant water and dense vegetation accompany visitors throughout many parts of the village.

  • Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, known as “Sotira”, is the most important religious monument of Anatoliki Fragkista. The present church dates from 1725 and its frescoes from 1732, while the elaborate carved wooden iconostasis was created around 1731. It has been designated a protected historic monument and stands in a lush setting with large plane trees and abundant water.
  • Monastery of Panagia – located below the village, in a distinctive setting between the Kerasovitis River and the Fragkisnorema stream. Of the old monastic complex, the main church, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, and remains of the monks’ cells survive today.
  • Churches and old lanes – Anatoliki Fragkista has several old churches scattered throughout its neighbourhoods. Among them are the Twelve Apostles, the village’s main church, Profitis Ilias, Agios Charalambos, Agia Paraskevi and Agia Sofia. A walk from the central square through the old lanes is a wonderful way to discover the village’s architecture and religious tradition.
  • Georgios Kafantaris Foundation and Folklore Museum – located in the centre of the village, in a traditional two-storey building, the museum presents archival material, photographs and personal belongings of Georgios Kafantaris. The ground floor houses a folklore collection and photographic material depicting the history and everyday life of the area.
  • Old communal washhouses – one of the distinctive features of Anatoliki Fragkista is the four old washhouses that still survive in its neighbourhoods. Some have been restored, preserving the memory of a time when water and these shared communal spaces were an integral part of everyday life.
  • Old watermill – the traditional watermill of Fragkista survives in the lower part of the village, a characteristic reminder of the settlement’s close relationship with the abundant waters of the area.
  • Kosmas’ Fountain – about two kilometres from Sotira stands an old fountain which, according to local tradition, is associated with Kosmas the Aetolian, who would stop there to rest and drink water during his travels.
  • Traditional houses and bridges – stately homes, the old Primary School and small traditional bridges complete the character of the village and add interest even to a simple walk through its neighbourhoods.
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