The church is built in the centre of Petra (55 km
from Mytilini, in the north part of the island) on a rock of approximately
40m height. 114 steps carved in the rock lead to its top. It constitutes
one of the most important places of pilgrimage on Lesvos.
Travelers from the 15th to the 18th century report
the existence of a small castle on the top of the rock. It is probable
that in an earlier phase there was a small church surrounded by walls,
which in the beginning of the 17th century was replaced with a bigger one
which took its present form after the repair works in 1840. This church is
made of stone and follows the architectural type of a three-aisled
basilica.
Its interior is decorated with a remarkable wood
carved templon as well as a wood carved bishop's throne.
able
that in an earlier phase there was a small church surrounded by walls,
which in the beginning of the 17th century was replaced with a bigger one
which took its present form after the repair works in 1840. This church is
made of stone and follows the architectural type of a three-aisled
basilica. 
