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.

Church of Profitis Ilias

The stark white outline of the little church of Profitis Ilias stands sentinel above the little fishing cover of the same name.

The altar is built-in and some of the church’s icons are excellent examples of early 20th century folk art. It is a popular choice for weddings and baptisms.

According to local oral traditions, there is a particular reason why this seaside church received its name, one usually associated with chapels on mountain peaks. About two centuries ago, a raiding ship was heading for the cape bearing a Greek shepherd as a prisoner, battling heavy seas that threatened to sink the vessel. The prisoner offered up a prayer to Profitis Ilias, the patron saint of shepherds. The captain was so frightened that he promised to build a church to the saint if his prisoner’s prayers were answered.The ship eventually found refuge in the little cove where the church was built in accordance with the captain’s vow.
Access

The church and the settlement of the same name, lie about 7 km south of the village of Aghios Nikolaos. The church is on hiking route D12

Location:
Profitis Ilias settlement, near Aghios Nikolaos Vion

The Byzantine church of Agios Athanasios, dedicated to Virgin Mary, Saint Athanasios and Saint Spiridon, is located a few kilometres outside the village of Pantanassa, which was named after the church.

Tradition has it that the church was built by Irene Palaiologou, the daughter of King Andronikos Palaiologos in 1300 AC. However, it was later proved that the church was built in the12th century.

The church is a five domed, octagon rhythm, cemetery and triune temple that has a lot of similarities with Pantanassa church at Mistras Castle and Pantanassa church in Arta.

The hiking route that starts from the church’s countryard leads through an astonishing green scenery to the Princess’s Castle.

Access

Agios Athanasios of Pantanassa is located halfway on the road connecting Molai with Neapoli.

There is parking space outside the church.

Location:
Pantanassa
Information:
If you wish to see the inside of the church, you should contact the priest of Pantanassa.

Telephone number: 6972122653

Free entrance