Greece and its history cannot be separated from Christianity and Orthodoxy. That is why, today, even in the most remote and almost inaccessible areas of the country, there are monasteries that anyone can visit, so long as they show the proper respect and devoutness. The monasteries, after all, are not a simple tourist attraction, but a place of worship. And the fact that very often they are built in beautiful locations means that the wishes of their founders were to stay as far away from civilization as possible.
The nature of the Peloponnese is ideal for monasteries. Tall mountains full of gorges and cliffs, almost virgin forests, rivers and creaks everywhere offer the necessary isolation and independence that a monastery might need. Today, the traveler has the chance to visit this apotheosis of harmony between human and nature. Here, we can only present a short list of some of the gorgeous monasteries in the Peloponnese. Avgou Monastery – Argolida Built among, and sometimes in, the rocks many centuries ago, the Avgou Monastery in Argolida, not very far from Porto Heli, stands proud to remind us of the history of this place. Even though today there are no monks and services are held only a few times a year, it is worth visiting for the beautiful drive that will get you there and the imposing location of the Avgo Mountain and the valley of the Rados river. Some of its sections have been standing there since the eleventh century, but, like most monasteries, there have been additions and improvements throughout the centuries. Prodromou Monastery – Arcadia The Prodromou Monastery is one of the most historic monasteries in Greece. It played a big part during the 1821 Revolution of the Greeks against the Ottomans, and it also has a huge collection of old books and writings. It is also built on the cliffs, and the visitor will feel a tremendous awe upon seeing it. It is located close to Lousios river and the wonderful town of Dimitsana. Virgin Mary of Hiliomodi – Corinthia Hidden in the forests near Corinth, you can find the monastery of Virgin Mary of Hiliomodi. What’s most interesting to the visitor is the Old Convent with a church that was built in the thirteenth century. You’ll also see the ruins of an ancient Greek temple, indicative of the historic continuity of the area. Aghioi Anargyroi Monastery – Argolida The Aghioi Anargyroi Monastery near Ermioni is considered one of the gems of Argolida. It is not hidden within a forest, like the ones we mentioned above, but it is comprised of amazing and well taken care of buildings. If you’re at Porto Heli, it will only take you a few minutes to drive there and admire its architecture. Peloponnese Hotels – AKS Hinitsa Bay
