In the northwestern part of the island, near the settlement of Myrties, above the beach of Melitsaha, the early Christian basilica of Agios Ioannis can be seen. It is a three-aisled basilica with an excellent mosaic in the narthex bearing the inscription "KYRIE VOITHI TO D ANATOLIO TO KTICANTI TON AGION IOANNIN AMEN" (5th century AD). The floor of the central aisle is covered with marble slabs while the side aisles are covered with clay tiles. Parts of a Doric style building (architectural members) have been preserved which support the existence of an older building, probably a sanctuary dedicated to the god Poseidon. In the area of the basilica there is also the newest church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, a white church in the Aegean style.
On the 29th of August, the day of the Beheading of John the Forerunner, Saint John of Melitsachas celebrates, with a great festival where in the evening the custom of lighting the lanterns (the so-called fires of Saint John) is celebrated.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou