Temple of the Resurrection of Christ

We are heading towards the chapel of the Resurrection of Christ. This monumental church of the Resurrection of Christ or Metamorphosis of the Saviour, which has come to be called "Christ", which is probably the cemetery church, was restored in 1969 under the supervision of the blessed Pavlos Lazaridis and the willing support of the architect Anna Psoma.

The manner of masonry, the use of bricks and other architectural elements, connect the church with the neighbouring and important monument of Panagia of Skripous in Orchomenos. The monument dates back to the second half of the 9th or the beginning of the 10th century. From the few examples of hagiography, which have been preserved in two layers, it can be concluded that the second layer can be dated to the 13th century AD.

There is a stone with the ancient inscription 'HAIRE' embedded in it. The church celebrates Easter Monday and the feast of the Metamorphosis of the Saviour on August 6th. Weddings, baptisms and memorial services are held.

The unfinished and abandoned monastery you can see further on is used by the Philoprodon Association for summer events.

Notice around you the extensive vineyards that gave Ascra the name "polystafilos". It was the sons of Aloeus, from Vianos in Crete - where they had imprisoned Ares - who brought to Ascra "the deep-chrome grapes". Since then, Ascra has had three types of grapes: white, red and mouldy.

In the vineyards were found coins with the image of Emperor Titus (who reigned from 79-81 AD). It is worth noting that the prosperity of Ascra during the Byzantine period is attested by the famous vineyards mentioned in the Land Register of Thebes, the construction of the monumental church of Christ and even some impressive ceramic products called “Clay Vases of Ascra”. The phylloxera of the 1960s led to a radical replacement of the vines with an American resistant rootstock. The main grape is Savatiano, followed by Roditis, as well as many Greek and foreign varieties. Today, the inhabitants of Ascra are engaged in viticulture and olive growing, along with their main occupation in service and industry. It is worth noting that especially in the field of winemaking, the tradition of good quality continues today with modern wineries such as that of the Zacharias brothers, whose fine products are also directed to the international market.