Agios Symeon Chapel

The tiny, well-maintained chapel stands on a rocky spur high above the popular resort of Palaiokastritsa. From up here you have a picturesque view to the south. The central plain and the two ridges on the west bank and on the eastern shore of the island are clearly visible. The rocks around the chapel are perfect for sitting and so you can enjoy the view in peace.

The patronage of this small church, with its rather inconspicuous architecture—neither a cross crowning the roof nor the regionally typical open bell tower—was entrusted to Saint Simeon, who is mentioned in the New Testament. According to the biblical account, he is one of the two persons present in the Temple forty days after the birth of Jesus Christ, when Mary and Joseph—faithfully following Jewish precepts—visited the Temple with their firstborn son and an offering (two doves). The Evangelist Luke records the following prayer on the occasion of this encounter between the elderly Simeon and Jesus as the promised Messiah:
+ "Now, Lord, you let your servant depart in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen the salvation you have prepared for all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel."+ (Luke 2:29-32)