Churches and Monasteries

The large number of historic churches and monasteries in the Municipality of Monemvasia bears witness to the region’s long religious tradition. These places of worship attract many pilgrims and other visitors every year. They are also favourite sites for marriages and baptism both among locals and others from further afield.

In Monemvasia’s fortress are the Church of the Elkomenos Christos, with its priceless icon of the Crucifixion that was recently returned to it in 2011 after being stolen by antiquities smugglers 31 years ago. Other important churches in the fortress are the Panagia Chrysafitissa and Aghia Sofia in the Upper Town.

Byzantine churches and chapels are scattered throughout the region. They include Aghios Athanasios in Pantanassa, Aghios Nikolaos in the village of the same name, Aghios Georgios, hidden away on the slopes of Mt. Vavila off the road to Velanidia, the Twin Churches (Dormition of the Virgin and Aghia Anna) at Teria, Aghios Ioannis Theologos at Haraka in the north of the municipality and Profitis Ilias in the fishing settlement of the same name to the south of Neapoli.

Aghia Sofia (Hodegitria)

A church with an octagonal dome, built in the 12th century (1149-1150). Carvings date from the 12th century and frescoes from the end of the 12th and the early 13th centuries.

Oral and written reports link the church to the Byzantine Emperor Andronicos II Palaiologos (1282-1328).

According to historical sources, it was dedicated to the Virgin Hodegitria.

After the Greek war of independence in 1821 it was rededicated to Aghia Sofia as it was believed to be a faithful replica of Aghia Sofia in Constantinople, the former Byzantine capital.

During the first Turkish occupation it was used as a mosque with the addition of of a mihrab and minaret on the south side.During the second Venetian occupation it served as the cathedral of a monastery of the Western doctrine dedicated to Madonna del Carmine, with the addition of a two-storey exo-narthex.In the second Turkish occupation it was again used as a mosque until the town was liberated in 1821, when it once again became a Christian place of worship.

The western side was restored in 1827 and in1846; the entire church underwent considerable restoration by Evstathios Stikas in 1958-59.

Access

Take any path leading up from the central thoroughfare in the Lower Town to reach the Upper Town at the peak.

Avoid the hottest time of the day and be sure to wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes.

Location:
Upper Town, Monemvasia fortress

Information:
Free entrance. For opening hours please call 2732061403.

Fortress Churches

Monasteries of Cape Malea

Magnificent Maleas stands at the last southeastern part of terrestrial Europe.

A powerful marine Chanel, the focal point of the Aegean, Ionian and Cretan Sea, Cape Maleas, or otherwise known as “Kavos of Saint Angelos”, is perceived with fear and awe by sailors over time. Homer’s Odyssey describes it bursting of waves and wind (1 80-81).

In the proverbial expression recorded by the geographer Stravon,”Malea de kampsas epilathou ton oikade”, it is depicted as one of the most dangerous Mediterranean Sea Crossings.

“The greatest of all miracles”, is the Holy Thomas in Maleo , whose ascetic cave , resembling an eagles nest , is located between the holy pilgrimages of the area , followed by Saint George the Maleo and many other worshipers who chose the inaccessible shelters , the caves of Malea.

Today, two churches are preserved, as bright guardians of sanctity and ascetic tradition of Malea. Saint Irene (Agia Eirini) was built in the 19th century on ruins of an older temple, and Saint George which was built in the 15th century. The architecture of the ruined monasteries and the preserved temples is an excellent sample of harmonious integration into the rocky landscape of Maleas.

The sacred pilgrims of Agia Eirini in Cape Maleas are declared PRESERVED MONUMENTS OF HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE and together with the surrounding area come under the supervision of the parish church of the local community of Agios Nikolaos.

For centuries, the holy pilgrimages have emerged as “white visions» through the windswept rocks of Cape Maleas, offering hope, peace and serenity to wandering souls.

The wild and inaccessible landscape of Cape Maleas, of “The Saint Angelos “, offers special spiritual emotions for those who have chosen the “virtue and boldness of freedom “.

The rise of the starry sky, the galaxy that fades into the sea and the sunrise from Agios Georgios (Saint George), are experiences of a lifetime that leave indelible traces of true joy and peace in every soul.

Pilgrims and hikers approach the historic monasteries of Cape Maleas from the D14 path which begins just after the Petrified Forest of Agia Marina. Although the path is characterized as low degree of difficulty in travel guides, IT IS DIFFICULT and in several places DANGEROUS.

Hiking should be avoided during the hot hours of the day. Water supply is necessary due to the absence of drinking water in the area.

Visitors must respect the particular geophysical landscape of Cape Maleas and its dangerous nature as well as the spiritual and religious character of the sacred site.

Free camping, campfire and pets are PROHIBITED.

Accommodation on the site is possible ONLY AFTER contacting the priest of Agios Nikolaos, Father Dionisios Michaletos, with his blessing and permission only to a small group of up to 3 people and up to 2 nights.

Contact number: 6977651731 (Father Dionisios Michaletos)

From The Church Council of Agios Nikolaos and the Cultural Association of Agios Nikolaos

See also: Hike to Aghia Irini