 Molyvdoskepasti
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The village of Molyvdoskepasto, also called Molyvi by the locals, is located in the northwestern part of Epirus, 17 km from Konitsa, and is the last village before the Greek-Albanian border.
Its earliest name was Dipalitsa. At the border, you will see Greek soldiers serving as border guards. Only a narrow path and a rock just below the Church of the Holy Apostles (the old bishopric) mark the natural boundary, blending with the concrete border pyramids. Looking across to the mountains of Albania, you can spot the Sarantaporos River, which merges with the Aoos River.
A visit to the Monastery of Panagia Molyvdoskepasti is highly recommended. According to the inscription preserved in the main church, the monastery was built around 670 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Pogonatos, upon returning from his campaign in Sicily, and was dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos.
According to tradition, the entire roof of the holy church was covered with lead tiles, which were later taken by the Turks to make bullets for their muskets.
The church features a frescoed veranda, a carved wooden door of exquisite craftsmanship, remarkable frescoes, a wooden carved iconostasis, and arched windows with ceramic decorations. The wooden iconostasis, a masterpiece of art, dates back to the 16th century.
The main church is cross-vaulted with domes and a tall central dome, and the floor is paved with stone.
In the churchyard lies the simple grave of Bishop Sebastianos of Konitsa-Dryinoupolis.
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