The church
of the Virgin (Panagia) Troulloti is built in the area of the Ano Pyrgoi at
Thermi, in the eastern part of Lesbos, only 10 kms from the city of Mytilene.
The church belongs to the type known as domed cross-in-square and dates in the
14th century. It constitutes one of the few Byzantine churches preserved on Lesbos.
Architectural members from more ancient buildings are incorporated
in the masonry of the monument, two of which are marble relieves of particular
interest in the south wall of the narthex. These two relieves are ornamented with
both human figures as well as animal ones (such as that of a bear or a deer) and
they were probably taken from the nearby sanctuary of Artemis Thermia. The interior
of the church is decorated with wall paintings that date after its foundation
and are only partially preserved.
Its wood carved templon dates in the mid-18th century and constitutes
one of the most exquisite samples of post-Byzantine wood carving on Lesbos.
