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.

Twin Churches of Teria

These are two small adjoining churches, one of which is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin, the other to Aghia (Saint) Anna.

The former, attached to the village cemetery, is the older of the two, most probably built before the 10th century, while Aghia Anna most likely dates from the 12th century.

Inside both churches there are noteworthy Byzantine frescoes from various periods.

On the altar in the Church of the Dormition is an extremely interesting inscription dating from Roman times (1st century or early 2nd century AD).

In 2004 cracks appeared in the building, which was threatened with collapse. Following efforts by local residents, together with the village priest Stylianos Tsigounis and the 5th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities, the churches were restored under the supervision of architects A. and C. Kalligas, and reopened in 2006.

Its saints’ day is celebrated on August 23.

Location:
Lira

The Evangelistria Monastery (Monastery of the Annunciation) is a convent situated on a promontory at Pyla, between Gerakas and Riechia. The view from the monastery of the surrounding Myrtoon Sea and the Argolid is truly magical. It was built in the early 19th century by the hermit Georgios Kyriakos (aka Stournaros) who lived in the area after moving there from Mt. Athos.

It consists of a building containing two chapels (Aghios Georgios and the Annunciation of the Virgin), although this is not obvious unless pointed out, and other monastery buildings.

Access

The monastery is 10 kilometres from Gerakas and 10 from Riechia. There is plenty of parking space available. There is no public transport to the site.

Location:
Gerakas

Information:
The monastery is always open.