This church was founded in 1849 and was designed by I. Metaxas. It officially opened in 1870, while the interior decoration was still incomplete. It is cross-shaped, with a dome, and built in an elevated courtyard. It has a 4 m. staircase which leads to the all-marble central part. The church is surrounded by church bell towers and its interior decoration is excellent.
The church is divided into three naves and the marble décor gives a special glamor to the temple: marble Corinthian columns, floral decorations, tiling in gray - blue color. The magnificent marble temple was constructed for a nationwide contest (1871). We do not know the designer, but it was constructed from Tinian sculptor George Vitalis between 1883-1899. It is made of Pentelic and Italian marble. It is covered with engraved jewelry accented with gold. Also, the seated angels of “Oraia Pyli” (=Beautiful Gate) are highly impressive. The marble pulpit (D. Vafiadaki donation, 1868) was designed by Ant. Frangoulis based on the pulpit of the Cathedral of Athens which was designed by George Fytalis. The marble throne was donated by Stam. and Angela K. Proiou. In 1903-1905 the walls were decorated by Peter and Alexander Bogias. The paintings found in the church belong to various painters: I. Stais, A.G. Vevelakis, I. Pappadakis, E. Armenopoulos, A. Gennadiou, Troumbos etc. You can also see two wooden shrines painted in 1864-1866 by Frangisko Desipri. The images left and right of “Oraia Pyli” are works of monks of Mount Athos (early 20th cent.). There are two paintings above “Oraia Pyli”: the Last Supper and the Cross. These are works of Russian painters, donated to the church in 1894 by Themistocles Z. Petrokokkinos, who lived in Russia.
In 1841 the municipality decided to build a new church and many plans were made for it. In 1847 L. Zavos constructed a wooden model of the church. The final draft belongs to G. Metaxas and it was released to attract benefactors. And indeed, the splendid temple was sponsored by the municipality, Otto, Baron Sina, Greeks who lived in Russia, residents of Chios island etc. Many architects took part in the completion of the project such as A. Zinopoulos, I. Vlysidis, D. Eleftheriadis, and French J.Vaugarni.
