Cultural Activities - Monemvasia

Culture

The Municpality of Monemvasia, like other parts of the Peloponnese, boasts a large number of historic monuments that have survivied the passage of time. Ranging from prehistoric to classical, Byzantine to the more recent past, these include the unique medieval fortress of Monemvasia, with its well-preserved buildings of the Lower and Upper Towns, and the exhibits in the Monemvasia Archaeological Collection.

Meanwhile the folklore musuems of Velies and Riechia provide a wealth of information about the region’s daily life and culture.

The Christian tradition, another important aspect of the region’s history, is represented in dozens of churches and monasteries that are witness not only to the local population’s spiritual life but the skills of their master craftsmen and artists who built and decorated these places of worship.

Cultural life in the Muncipality of Monemvasia today takes the form of all kinds of events such as concerts, theatrical performances and art exhibitions. The biggest cultural festival is the Ritseia, a major celebration in summer dedicated to the poet Yannis Ritsos, Monemvasia’s most famous son, whose work has received recognition around the world.

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.