Doliana brings together sacred buildings and specific chapters of its local history. The village’s first school was located in the narthex of the Church of Saint Demetrios – Old Metochi. Other cultural themes range from church architecture and icon painting to memorials in the village centre and historic watermills.

Churches and Their History

The Church of Saint Demetrios – Old Metochi was burned down in 1847 and renovated by the Region of Epirus in 2020. The fire and renovation mark two clearly distinct stages in its history. Together with the narthex’s former use as the village school, the church is linked both to the history of education and to a historic turning point.

At the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Doliana, the construction and interior take centre stage. It is built of stone, has a wooden iconostasis and an interior entirely decorated with frescoes. These features relate to different aspects: the building material, the furnishings and the wall decoration. The grave of Major Ioannis Alivizatos is also located within the church’s enclosed grounds. These differences are useful when comparing the churches: Old Metochi links its former use as a school with its architectural history, while the Nativity church has its own architectural and commemorative associations through its materials, furnishings and grave.

The Monastery and Village Centre

The Monastery of Saint Iakovos, also known as “Longos” of Dolianá, was built in the 12th century. It was the area’s first centre for icon painting, and many icon painters from Epirus studied there. Its date places the building in its historical context, while its former role as a centre and place of study also connects Doliana with the area’s art history. While the Nativity church is characterised by its stone construction, iconostasis and frescoes, Longos draws attention to the history of icon painting.

Two different kinds of public memorial stand in the central square. The Heroes’ Monument is dedicated to those who fell for their homeland; the marble plaque bears the names of Dolianá residents who fell in the Greco-Italian War and during the Resistance. The clock in the central square was built in the late 1980s and donated by the Brotherhood of Dolianá Residents. The two objects have different focuses: the monument centres on its dedication and list of names, while the clock is distinguished by when it was made and who donated it.

Traditional Watermills

The watermills also offer different cultural and historical points of interest. The traditional “Opayas” mill near St. George Doliana dates from the 18th century and is designated as a protected monument. At the traditional “Della Bros” mill, visitors can see tools and equipment that were once used for grinding grain and other tasks. Thus, Opayas is notable for its historical date and protected status, while Della Bros is notable for its preserved equipment and how it was once used. Those interested in the history of milling can find a tangible connection to earlier tools at Della Bros; Opayas is notable for its age and monument designation.

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Go to the main travel overview: Ioannina.