Church of Saint Anne at Opsigias
The church of Saint Anne (Agia Anna) is located in an agricultural area near the villages Opsigias and Nefs Amari, overlooking the valley of Amari. The church was single-aisled in the 13th century and its northern wall was rebuilt after collapsing due to the earthquake of 1303, but retaining three of its original walls. The western part collapsed again and was rebuilt.
Saint Anne is one of the most important temples in Crete, as it preserves some of the oldest surviving frescoes in Crete that help scientists to better understand the artistic influences of its era. These few frescoes date back to 1225 and are located in the niche of the sanctuary. The quarter sphere depicts the Deesis with Christ on the throne, the Virgin Mary Agiosoritissa and Saint John the Baptist. The half-cylinder depicts the Cretan Apostle Titus and Andreas of Crete, and archangels on either side of Melismos.
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