The Church of Saint Paraskevi in Chalkida on Evia

The Church of Agia Paraskevi is located in the historical center of Chalkida, in the castle district, opposite the Vailou house.

It is of the type of three-aisled basilica covered with a wooden roof, with a dome over the presbytery and two chapels on either side, as well as a bell tower above the northern chapel.

The church dates back to the period of Latin rule, from the 13th century.

It was built on the site of an older structure from the 6th century, of which the colonnades of the nave have survived.

It has retained its original form, except for corrections made after destructive earthquakes.

The most impressive element of the church is the central apse, with its extraordinarily intricate sculptural decoration.

The gabled roof of the main nave, which was brought from Venice and has remained almost intact, is also of exceptional significance.

In the northern chapel, where the tomb of the Venetian official Pietro Lippomano is located, there are frescoes from the 14th century.

During the Turkish rule, the church was converted into a mosque.

With the liberation of Chalkida in 1833, the church returned to Christian worship and was dedicated to the patroness of the city – Saint Agia Paraskevi.