The Monastery of Frangavilla was founded during the Byzantine period, in the mid-11th century. This means that the construction of the original complex predates the subsequent Frankish rule in this region. It is thought that the complex was built on the ruins of an ancient temple.

However, the name ‘Frangavilla’ dates back to the period of Frankish rule in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Of the former monastic complex, only the katholikon – the main church, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary – has survived to the present day

In March 1993, however, the region was struck by a severe earthquake. The church building suffered devastating damage as a result, leaving it at acute risk of collapse

Through painstaking work, the church has since been stabilised and restored, ensuring that this gem of Byzantine architecture is preserved for posterity

The oldest layer of frescoes dates back to the Byzantine period when the church was founded. The majority of the frescoes visible today in the nave and the dome date from the 17th century