Churches and Monasteries

The chapel of Aghios Ioannis Theologos (the Theologian) is 2.5 kilometres north of Harakas on a small enclosed plateau.

It is a tiled structure built during the 18th century, according to oral history, and renovated in 1958 by devout local residents.

A rectangular building standing beside it, in good condition, is divided into small rooms used for habitation, supporting the belief that this was once a monastery.

It is supposed to have been built by inhabitants of the island of Spetses as an offering after they were saved from a shipwreck near Pyliza, along with the unexplained reappearance at the site of the saint’s icon from its home on Spetses. Today the icon is displayed in the parish church of the Three Holy Hierarchs in Harakas.

For a spectacular view over the valley, enormous rock formations and the Myrtoon Sea, walk back to Harakas along a stone-flagged path that runs parallel to the cliff at Stavros.

Access

The church is reached along a surfaced road leading from the centre of Harakas. Turn left at the signpost. The church is about 10 minutes away. There is plenty of parking space. No public transport is available.

Location:
Harakas
Information:
The church is open at all times.

Free entrance

A special pilgrimage in a very sacred and peaceful environment. This little church stands under tall trees at the end of a large natural clearing surrounded by dense vegetation. It was once the main church of a monastery, amid three other churches now in ruins. Taken together, their construction resembles that of the Pentagia church in Kouno, Mani. The icon screen and other surfaces have been whitewashed, although it is believed to have been decorated in the mid-14th century. Although a provincial monument, it appears to be in the style of larger late Byzantine sites in the Peloponnese. The eyes of the saints in the frescoes have been effaced, probably by conquerors.

According to testimonies of local inhabitants, a massacre of women and children occurred here during the Turkish occupation.

Access

At the end of hiking route D8. After about 7 km on the road from Neapoli towards Velanidia, at the top of Mt Vavila, turn left into the dirt road that leads down into the valley. The church is about 1.4 km from the turnoff from the main road.

Location:
In a valley below Mt. Krithina, on the way to Velanidia.
Information:
Free entrance. Open at all times.