Monasteries

Monasteries

It is evident from the number of temples, (they are about 360), the religious spirit of the inhabitants of Skopelos. It is worth visiting the monasteries of the island, if not all, at least most of them. Their imposing style, their admirable architecture and their special location will enchant you, traveling you to past eras.

One of the most important monasteries of Skopelos is the Monastery of Evangelistria of Caesar Daponte. Built in 1712 on the slope of Mount Palouki, the monastery dominates with its imposing and fortified appearance, which can be easily seen from the port of Skopelos. The access to the point of the temple is easy and the visiting hours are: 8: 00-13: 00 and 17:00 to 19:00 daily.

Another remarkable monastery is that of Timios Prodromos. It is worth noting that it was a men's monastery until 1920, but since then women have taken their place in it. Polite and kind nuns take care of the Monastery with devotion and faith. Icons inside the temple date back to the 16th, 17th, 18th century, remaining unchanged over time. On June 24, the feast of the Monastery of Timios Prodromos is celebrated every year by the local people.

You cannot miss the oppertunity to visit the monastery of Agia Varvara, the oldest church of Skopelos. It was built in 1648 and it is located very close to the Monastery of Timios Prodromos, with access by road or on foot.

An other monastery is the Transfiguration of the Savior, which is near the monastery of Evangelismos at the opposite side of the mountain. Built around the end of the 15th century, the monastery highlits the architecture  of Athos. The tower of the monastery served as an observatory, protecting the monks from frequent raids by pirates. On the day of the feast on the 6th of August, a wish is given for the blessing of grapes. All these monasteries are located at the mountain Palouki. If you want to visit them, follow the two different directions towards the mountain. On the left, there is the monastery of Evangelismos. On the right, you can visit the monastery of Transfiguration (Metamorphosis), Agia Varvara, Agia Anna, Timios Prodromos, Agios Taxiarchis Vatou and Agia Triada. Agios Taxiarchis Vatou is celebrated on November 8th or some days later. At the monasteries of Taxiarchis and Agia Anna, there is a great hiking route. You cannot miss the chance to follow it.

The patron saint of the island, as it is known, is Agios Riginos, who lived in the 4th century AD. He was an educated child of Greek origin and showed from an early age his love for Christ. When he became an adult, he became Church official of Skopelos. He ended up having a martyr's death fighting for his faith, as he was beheaded along with forty other Skopelos martyrs of the Orthodox faith. Four kilometers outside the town of Skopelos, you can find on the right side of the road the paved side road to the church of Agios. Built in 1728, perhaps on the ruins of an older Byzantine monastery, it clearly dominates the ring road. People from the surrounding islands arrive here on February 25, the feast of the Saint, to honor him and pray.

Another remarkable monastery is that of Agios Efstathios in the area of Karya. It was built in the early 18th century in a place with a great view of Sendoukia and the north coast. Finally, an unforgettable experience would be your visit to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis in Kotronaki, but also to Agios Taxiarchis in Glossa. So, if you have time for new experiences, then it is worth visiting all the monasteries, as each one has its own value and beauty!