Early Christian Basilica of Agios Stefanos

About 40 kilometres southwest of the city of Kos, in the bay of Kefalos, two Early Christian basilicas can be seen on the beach of Agios Stefanos (=Saint Stephen), structures from the 5th or 6th century, with some later elements and additions. They are distinguished as the South and North Basilica. Of all the basilicas discovered by archaeological excavations on the island, the most magnificent and best-preserved is the Basilica of Agios Stefanos, located near the isthmus of Kefalos, 'in the most picturesque earthly tongue by the sea' according to Professor Anast. K. Orlandos, directly opposite the islet of Kastri. In reality, it is a complex of two basilicas built on rock and preserved in excellent condition. Their construction is estimated between 469 and 554 AD, that is, between the two major destructive earthquakes that struck the island, the second of which was fatal for the monument