Orchomenos reveals itself through traces of very different periods: the Byzantine Panagia Skripous, the ancient theatre and the climb to the Macedonian Acropolis. When planning your trip, it is especially important to distinguish between the historical landmarks in town and the hike to the Acropolis. On the hillside, archaeological remains and views of Orchomenos from above add to the experience. This allows you to consider architecture, ancient history and physical activity as different focal points of a stay.

Byzantine Churches and Their Traces Through Time

Panagia Skripous, also known as the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, is considered the oldest Byzantine monument in Boeotia. Its approximate present-day form dates to 873/874 AD. This date refers to that form and makes the church a clear landmark of Byzantine history in Boeotia. The two names help clarify the different ways it is referred to: Panagia Skripous and the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin are the same building in Orchomenos.

Agios Sozon offers a different way of reading time and is located in a central square in Orchomenos. Inside are two layers of painted decoration, one above the other. The first dates to the 12th century and is contemporary with the construction; the second is dated to the 16th century. While the focus at Panagia Skripous is on its approximate present-day form, at Agios Sozon it is on two successive phases of decoration. This comparison distinguishes the history of construction from later decoration and helps make sense of the churches’ different dates.

Ancient Theatre and the Climb to the Acropolis

The ancient theatre of Orchomenos dates to the 4th century BC. Musical competitions were held there in honour of the Three Graces, Zeus Omolios and Dionysus. This makes it possible to understand the theatre not only in terms of its date, but also its historical use. The churches are defined by their form and painted decoration, while the theatre adds musical competitions as a different cultural function to the picture of Orchomenos.

From the area of the ancient theatre, the climb follows the uphill neighbourhood of Dragatsoula. Along the way, you pass the foundations of the Asclepieion; from there, you can see Orchomenos from above.

The Macedonian Acropolis is accessible only by a 45- to 60-minute hike. The route passes an old paved road that served as an exit from Orchomenos when Lake Copais still existed. When planning your day, allow time for the hike as a separate part of your itinerary; the old road adds a historical dimension to the climb.

Mycenaean Tomb Culture and Copais

The RI-SE Centre was designed to present the Mycenaean tholos tomb of Minyas, known as the “Treasury of Minyas”, and the culture of its builders using videos and 3D reconstructions. The planned content also includes the drainage works of Copais and Heinrich Schliemann, who was the first to excavate the tomb in 1880. The subject matter therefore ranges from the tomb and the culture of its builders to its later excavation; the drainage works add a focus on the history of the landscape. This brings another perspective to the churches and the theatre: Mycenaean tomb culture and the history of Copais.

Discover more destinations: Thiva, Agios Vasilios, Livadia, Vasilika, Distomo, Aráchova, Aliartos, Kastro

For the regional travel overview: Viotia.