Κατακόμβες
Methoni, a charming village steeped in history, is home to numerous churches and chapels, reflecting the deep spiritual and communal life of its residents. These sacred spaces serve as important centers for gathering, worship, and social interaction, playing a vital role in the daily lives of the community. Scattered throughout the village and its surroundings, many of these churches are even privately constructed with the required blessing and approval from the Church administration. To avoid an exhaustive list, this section will highlight 11 of the most prominent churches and chapels within a 3-kilometer radius of Methoni, each offering a unique glimpse into the village's rich religious heritage.
The construction of Methoni’s Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, began in 1833 and was completed and 1839. Prior to its completion, the locals would attend church services within the grounds of the castle.
The magnificent bell tower was added later, in 1912. The cathedral is recognized as a historically significant monument for its architectural value, representative of post-1830 design (Official Gazette 591 / B / 2005). Within the churchyard lies the tomb of Father Dimitrios Grivas (1790–1863), a key figure in the Greek War of Independence, who served as a politician and sergeant for the Methoni Province. Grivas, a member of the Filiki Etaireia, was captured by Ibrahim’s forces in 1825 and released later that same year. The church’s hollow, intricately carved wooden ceiling is a notable feature, housing icons painted by the monk G.N. Andronikos between 1872 and 1883. Tradition holds that the monk passed away in Methoni after completing his work. The church also features icons created in the 1930s by local artist and hagiographer E. Gabriel.