Árta - Ayía Theodóra Church

The church of Ayía Theodóra dates from the 13th century. It was enlarged by the mother of Despot Nikifóros, Theodóra (later recognized as a saint), after the murder of her husband, Michael II (1271). In the narthex is her sarcophagus, the front of which has a fine relief carving of Theodóra and her small son. Her dual role as ruler and as saint is expressed by her dress, with a nun's veil over her royal robes, and her attitude, with her right hand holding a scepter and her left raised in the gesture of blessing.