Panagia Parigiriti Church in Arta seeks UNESCO Tentative List nomination

The Friends of the Holy Byzantine Church of Saint Theodora of Arta have submitted an open letter to the Mayor of Arta, the municipal council and the regional Archaeological Service urging cooperation to apply for the inclusion of the Panagia Parigiriti Church on UNESCO’s Tentative List. The association stresses the monument’s unique architectural and artistic features, notably the pioneering inter‑pillar support system for the central dome and its distinctive mosaic and sculptural decoration, and argues that it meets UNESCO’s criteria for world‑heritage significance.

The proposal also recommends a serial nomination that would bundle Panagia Parigiriti with other major Byzantine sites in the area – the Church of Saint Theodora, Panagia Vlachernon and Saint Basil – to strengthen the case. Inclusion in the UNESCO list is projected to bring international recognition, stimulate high‑quality cultural tourism, unlock funding for preservation projects and raise the profile of Arta on the global stage. The association calls on local authorities and the Ministry of Culture to initiate the formal request without further delay.