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The church of Agios Nikolaos- located in the square of the village.

The church of Agios Nikolaos was built in 1951-52, according to the architectural plans of Anastasios Orlandos, with the dear departed teacher G.Papadimitriou as a prime mover and with the contribution of the residents in the building works.

The central church of the village used to be in the same position, but it was burned by the Germans in 1943.

During the past few years, after the initiative of the priest Kimonas Psorakis the drawing of the hagiographies of the church has been taking place.

The Red Church

The Red Church or the Church of Virgin Mary Vellas is one of the most important monuments that were created in Epirus during the 13th century by the glorious dynasty of Komninodoukades.

It is located in the built-up area of Palaiochori, 3 kilometers south of Vourgareli. It was built in 1281, it is thus prior to the Church of Parigoritissa in Arta, and the constructive expenses were paid by Theodore Tsimiskis who was a master builder of the Byzantine Court. It is a three-arched, cross-in-square temple of two columns with a three-sided narthex.

Academic Anastasios Orlandos mentions the following as far as the name is concerned: Evidently, the name “Red Church” is due to the bright red color of the plinths by which the walls of the church are constructed. The name “Virgin-Mary Vellas” is due to its relation with the Episcopacy or the Vellas Monastery.

The murals, which are partially preserved and bear several damages, date back to 1925 and represent saints and seculars, for instance the founders Theodoere Tsimiskis and his wife Maria, his brother Ioannis and his wife Anna and the despots Nikiforos and Anna. The temple is dedicated to the Birth of Virgin Mary and celebrates on the 8th of September. The last maintenance works of the monument took place two years ago by the Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities.

The Monastery of Saint Georgios

The Monastery of Agios Georgios is located in the north side of the village and is embraced by a dense fir-tree forest. The foundations were laid in 1690 and the construction was completed in 1714, according to a sign that is found on the wall between the vestibule and the main temple. During the period of the Turkish and German Occupancy it was an intellectual and religious centre which would support and reinforce the people of Tzoumerka. During the spring of 1821 the chieftains from Tzoumerka, Radovizi and Xirokampos (Karaiskakis, Bakolas, Botsaris, Koutelidas) gathered here to set the beginning of the Greek Revolution in Tzoumerka and Radovizi. This is where the residents of Vourgareli found shelter when the Germans bombed and burned the village in 1943. In 1957 it was declared as a preservable historical monument. Today it is in a very good condition due to the care of Nun Polychronia who has been living there during the past few years.

Our square

Together with the religious festival for the celebration of Prophet Elias, in 1905, the inauguration of our square took place as well. Doctor Ioannis Kotsaridas, who was a prime mover of its construction, incited the villagers to dance and celebrate but to participate in its paving as well. Almost a century later, the big square with the shadowy plane-trees and the breathtaking view is the place where the heart of the village beats.