Daphni Monastery

The preserved katholikon (main monastic church) is a cross in-square church of the octagonal type with a broad and high dome. It consists of a narthex while an exonarthex was build in the 12th century. In the 13th century was constructed the porch in the west façade of the narthex with obvious western influences. During the Cistercian phase, in the narthex and the exonarthex was added a second floor. It was probably used as a library. Finally, a crypt under the narthex there is a crypt

The masonry does not have any peculiarities; on the contrary it is simple cloisonné with few decorative elements.

The monastery was protected by walls and the main entrance was to the south. The cells of the monks were located to the north and western side, and they were two-storey buildings. Also the trapeza (refectory) has been identified with a building north of the katholikon which had wall paintings.

The mosaics at Dafni are dated in the 11th century and are of unique quality and elegance. The depicted scenes relate  to the iconographic circles of the Life of Christ and the Virgin; figures such as archangels, prophets, saints, martyrs, bishops as well as scenes are put on specific places following a specific arrangement in the dome, the cross-arms, the sanctuary and the eso-narthex.

On the lower level of the walls were to be found marble slabs which unfortunately were removed and replaced by wall paintings in the 17th century.

EKATERINI MITSIOU