The church of Megalocharis is known throughout the world as an orthodox
shrine. It was built on the site where the icon of the Panagia was discovered
in January 1823 . The icon dates from the first Christian era. The church was
designed by the architect Evstratios of Smyrni
and its construction was financed by the donations of the common people. It is
among the first valuable architectural monuments of the independent Greek nation,
built as it was during the period of the Greek revolution, in order to house the
miracle-working icon. It certainly counts as an architectural masterpiece. It
was built on the site of the Byzantine church of Agios Ioannis. Material for its
construction was taken from the ancient temple of Dionysios that once occupied
this site.
