St Athanasios

Situated in the old commercial center of Pyrgos, atop one of the city's hills, the church of Saint Athanasios once dominated the city's skyline. During a period of construction boom, the church was erected based on plans by the architect Ernst Ziller. It occupied the site where a wooden church or possibly a monastery once stood. Among the notable portable icons housed in the church, the icon of Panagia Odegitria stands out. It dates back to the first half of the 19th century.

According to local stories, monks from the renowned monastic community of Mount Athos in northern Greece arrived in Katakolo by boat, seeking a buyer for the icon. Despite their discussions being inconclusive, the monks were preparing to depart for Zante. However, a sudden storm prevented their ship from sailing. Seizing the opportunity, the priest of Saint Athanasios stepped in and purchased the icon at a satisfactory price.