They are to be seen everywhere in Kastoria: some 75 of them, well-placed in prominent positions or hidden in the greenery of the back alleys or, still worse, sort of buried under the aesthetically imposing weight of more modern constructions.

Panayia Mavriotissa Monastery: Jesus entering Jerusalem

They are renovated and well taken care of, or left to collapse; open to the public or with gates shut, locked with rusty padlocks; with all their panes in place or smashed by irresponsible young children's stone throwing; with their frescos preserved or with their saints' eyes gaping wide empty, blinded in the past by fanatics more blind to their beauty and artistic value than the blinded icons they left behind. Like people, they share the odds of being lucky or unlucky, created and having to survive under a lucky star or in ages non-permissive to their beauty.

But, they are here! The two-dimensional world of their frescoes has, against all odds, survived and, given the proper attention, it could turn out a real artistic, historic and aesthetic treasure to rejoice. It could point to a so desperately needed way out for our multi-dimensional, disillusioned and frustrated world. Let the masterpieces shown in these photos be admired and respected the way they deserve!