Church of Virgin Dormition in Smerna

One of the most important sights in Elis, the church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary - or Panagia Smerniotissa - is “rooted” in the steep rocks of the mountain and offers a breathtaking view to visitors.

Many describe the church as the “balcony” of God.

It is a unique religious monument with a huge number of visitors, and inside the imposing rock, one will find icons of the Virgin Mary, offerings by the worshippers.

It is also a building of great historical importance as, in 1825, the entire village, including the church, was burned down by Ibrahim.

According to tradition, during the Ottoman occupation, a shepherd found the icon of the Virgin Mary inside the rocks where the church “took root” later.