The cathedral
of Mytilene is situated in the centre of the city and is dedicated to St Athanasios.
It dates in the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century and is built
according to the architectural type of a domed basilica. In the interior it is
ornamented with wall paintings in which influences from the Renaissance painting
can be traced. The church's templon - which is presently being restored - constitutes
one of the most beautiful examples of post-Byzantine wood carving on Lesbos. Its
bell-tower is also of architectural interest as it strongly bears gothic elements.
The relics of St Theodoros of Byzantium - the patron saint of the
city - are kept intact inside the church and thus the monument constitutes an
important place of pilgrimage.
