Cavern – Church of Agioi Theodori

A truly special temple, carved into the rocks and "hidden" in a cave, is located on the slopes of Mount Zonaion, about 10 kilometres outside Alexandroupolis. Visitors can admire unique frescoes on the walls of the cave, which are divided into two creative periods: The first at the end of the 11th century and the second at the beginning of the 13th century, constituting rare examples of the "monastic" and "transitional" styles that were crafted in the hidden spot of the Hebridean nature.

The frescoes derive their themes mainly from the circle of the Virgin Mary (the Assumption, the Visitation, the Entreaty with Elizabeth, the Virgin Mary Bound), which indicates that they may have been originally dedicated to her. Other representations with the Archangel, St. Procopius, the Apostles Peter and Paul and the built iconostasis complete a setting that recalls the rocky temples of Cappadocia.

The route to the cave is a beautiful experience in itself, as it passes through dense vegetation, streams and landscapes of natural beauty, next to the railway line that connects Alexandroupolis with Komotini, while the medieval castles of Avantas and Potamos are a short distance away.