Basilica of Saint John, Mastichari

According to archaeological findings, the village of Mastichari, on the northern coast of the island, appears to have first been inhabited during early Christian times. West of Mastichari, in a sandy area 60 metres away from the sea (you can reach it by following the path from the beach), an Early Christian Basilica was found, dating back to the period between the two major earthquakes of the era (469-554). The three-aisled basilica (19.90 X 14.60 metres) was excavated by Orlandos in 1947, and the final plans and study of the discovered monument were prepared by Orlandos himself in August 1958. What seems particularly impressive is the baptistery. It includes a spacious antechamber with built-in benches for the catechumens and the main baptistery with a cross-shaped baptismal font in the middle and an octagonal shape inside, with 4 semicircular niches. Orlandos assumes that the baptism was performed by sprinkling or pouring fresh water brought in clay jars, as no water pipes or drainage holes were found. The mosaics of this basilica, covering an area of about 400 square metres, are noteworthy. They present a variety of designs and colours and are crafted with tesserae made from local stones, tiles, and artificial glass mass, as well as with very thin sheets of silver and gold. 8 dedicatory mosaic inscriptions are also noteworthy.