Church of Nativity of Theotokos at Drymiskos
The church of Panagia is located in the cemetery above the village Drymiskos in the province of Agios Vassilios, at a point with an impressive view of the valley of the Swallows. It is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin (Genisi) which is celebrated by the Greek Church on September 8. It is known as "Panagia Genisi", to distinguish it from the also old church of the Panagia Kimisi (Dormition) in the old cemetery of the village.
The temple is vaulted and single-aisled and is the eastern extension of an older temple, the walls of which are preserved in a ruined state at its entrance.
What makes it important are the frescoes dating back to the early 14th century. The founding inscription informs us that it was painted in 1318 at the expense of the Melissinos family by the painter Michael Veneris. Michael Veneris, together with his brother Daniel, also painted the church of Christ in Meskla in 1303.
In general, the performances follow the standards of their era for Crete. There are scenes from the doctrinal and liturgical cycle, while in the main church, there are depictions with Gospel scenes, scenes from the Theotokos cycle, and various figures of saints.
