Τhe old capital of the island is on the slope opposite Perachori. The medieval settlement of Paleochora was the capital of the island until the time of Venetian rule. Its location was not chosen randomly; it is of strategic importance and allowed for the surveillance over the Ionian Sea and the port. The residents' houses also functioned as fortresses during attacks. The architecture had a defensive character; there were one or two floors without balconies but with narrow windows that also functioned as casemates. The surviving churches of Paleochora, which have been designated as monuments of Byzantine art, are of particular value. The Church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary or Old Virgin Mary located on the borders of the old settlement was probably the Metropolitan Church of the old capital. In the chapel of the Presentation of the Virgin or ‘Maroulatiki’, as it is known to the locals, magnificent wall paintings are preserved. The chapel of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary operates every year on November 21. Another great church is that of Saint Ioannis with its high stone bell tower. The church has been maintained by experts who have restored and preserved the invaluable works of art and wall paintings. The church has a stone iconostasis while the stone floor of the temple has been restored. For the best protection of the temple, a roof that protects it from damage has been installed.