Visitors say
You can’t visit Les is without going to madamados one of the most beautiful villages of the island and pay a visit to the church
Beautiful location, imposing church and then you can drink your coffee with an incredible view. It's worth visiting.
About
The Church of the Panmegiston Taxiarchon — dedicated to the supreme Archangels Michael and Gabriel, known in Greek Orthodoxy as the Taxiarchai, the commanders of the heavenly hosts — stands as the spiritual heart of the village of Asomatos in the verdant interior of Lesvos. The very name of the surrounding village, Asomatos, meaning "the incorporeal ones," is itself a traditional epithet for the angels, and this deep linguistic bond between place and faith speaks to how thoroughly the veneration of the Archangels has shaped the identity of this community. Such dedications are among the most beloved in Greek Orthodoxy, and churches bearing this title are often found at high or prominent locations, reflecting the belief that the Archangels serve as heavenly guardians watching over the land below.
Architecturally, the church follows the patterns of post-Byzantine ecclesiastical building common across the Aegean islands, with thick stone walls, a modest but dignified facade, and an interior designed to draw the eye inward toward the iconostasis. Visitors stepping inside will find themselves in the contemplative atmosphere typical of Orthodox village churches, where votive lamps cast a warm glow over icons and the air carries the faint fragrance of beeswax and incense. The iconostasis, separating the nave from the sanctuary, is the focal point of the interior, and icons of the Archangels — often depicted in Byzantine military dress, bearing swords or sceptres — are central to the church's devotional life.
The principal feast day of the Taxiarchai falls on the eighth of November, and in villages across Greece this day is celebrated with liturgy, community gathering, and the particular warmth of a local panegyri. For visitors to the Asomatos area, the church offers a quiet moment of reflection and a genuine encounter with the living Orthodox tradition that has shaped Aegean life for centuries. Whether you arrive during the feast or on an ordinary afternoon, the Panmegiston Taxiarchon is a place where the island's spiritual and cultural heritage feels close and unhurried.
Before you go
What to expect
The village of Asomatos wraps quietly around this stone church, and its name — meaning 'the incorporeal ones', an ancient epithet for the angels — gives even a brief visit an unexpected layer of meaning. Inside, votive lamps cast a warm glow over the iconostasis and the air holds a faint scent of beeswax and incense, the atmosphere still and unhurried in the way of working Orthodox village churches where people come to pray, not to tour.
Best time to visit
The feast of the Taxiarchai on 8 November brings liturgy and a village gathering worth planning around; for a pleasant drive through the green central hills, April to June and September to October are ideal.
How to get there
Asomatos lies roughly 14 kilometres from Mytilene through the verdant central hills — a scenic drive of around 25 to 30 minutes. The church sits within the village itself and is easy to spot from the main approach.
Categories
Visitor Reviews
Reviewed Popcorn
January 2026
Even in the winter this place is amazing!!!
Vassilia S
August 2025
You can’t visit Les is without going to madamados one of the most beautiful villages of the island and pay a visit to the church
sevi papa
June 2025
10 minutes from the city of Mytilene in the Kagiani area is the Church of the Archangels, which is a must-visit! Beautiful church, ancient icons and in the courtyard there is a cafe and refreshments... the church is a "miniature", if I may say so, of the Mantamada monastery... truly awe-inspiring and awe-inspiring... it is worth going up for a pilgrimage...
Haris Katsanis
April 2023
6 km from the city, on a hill in Kagiani, is the Church of the Great Archangels. In a place with an incredible view that you can see all the way to the port of Mytilene. The church with a great history, dominates and looks over all of Mytilene. Inside the church there are also the footprints of the Archangel that you can see. An imposing church and then you can drink your coffee with an incredible view. It is worth visiting.
ΤEONEK
September 2022
Beautiful location, imposing church and then you can drink your coffee with an incredible view. It's worth visiting.
Δημήτρης Σοφούλης
September 2022
A beautiful church, in the style of the churches of Lesvos, it is quite reminiscent of Mantamado. It is logically not as imposing as that one, it lacks the famous icon, but it is beautiful there too
Aurora U.K
April 2022
A must visit.
Alexia Rassia
October 2021
It's a really nice church, well-maintained and it's open to visitors. It has a square outside of the church and a tap if you need water. It also has a cafeteria if you'd like to sit and have something to drink /eat.
Johnnie
August 2021
When you are in Mytilene, 6 km from the city, the Temple of Taxiarches is located on a hill in Kagiani. In a place with an incredible view that you can see all the way to the port of Mytilene. The temple with a great history, dominates and looks over the whole of Mytilene. Inside the temple there are also the footprints of Taxiarches that you can see. Right outside the temple there is a cafe where you can sit and enjoy your coffee, seeing the beautiful view of the city and the sea. It is worth a visit to Taxiarches both as a pilgrimage and as a walk.💯
Kevin Short
July 2019
We visited this church courtyard on the way home from a restaurant. There had been a christening earlier and so there were lots of people still around. There's a really good view of the Aegean from here....it's almost worth thinking about attending an actual service!
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