Abbey of Agios Nikolaus of Filanthropinou

Ioannina, Island in Pamvotis Lake Greece

Greek Orthodox

The small island in the middle of Lake Pamvotis is home to seven monasteries, three are dedicated to Saint Nicholas. This one, known as Agios Nikolaos of Filanthropinou (Philanthropenoi) or Spanou, was founded in 1292. It reached its peak in the 1500s. The only remaining parts are the catholicon, a section of cells, and the refectory. The church is single-aisled with a barrel-vaulted roof, a vaulted narthex, and three exonartheces. The interior is covered with finely executed wall paintings from 1531/2, 1542, and 1560—the best on the island. The church is used only on specific days. Of the seven monasteries on the island, this one seems to have been the most important.