Monasteries to Visit in Corinth, Greece

Written by Greek Boston in About Corinth, Greece, Greek Travel Guide Comments Off on Monasteries to Visit in Corinth, Greece

Corinth, Greece is full of unique and beautiful scenery. Located in the mountains, Corinth is home to cobblestone squares, houses with red tile roofs, and alleys that ascend to the highest parts of the neighborhoods. Corinth, Greece is also home to a number of monasteries and churches that are worth a visit.

Monastery of Zarakas

It is thought that the Monastery of Zarakas was founded during the early part of the 13th century by Frank monks were ordered to the area by Pope Innocent III. It is one of the most fortified monasteries in the Corinth area and can be found on the eastern side of Ancient Stymfalos. The monastery was abandoned in 1276 and excavated in 1928 and 1962. In 1993, the Canadian Archaeological Institute was granted permission to excavate the site. At the site of the monastery there are still remains of the basilica and the vaults as well as the remains of the buildings.

Monastery of Agios Georgios Feneos

The Monastery of Agios Georgios Feneos is located in the forests of Helmos Mountain at 1500 meters. The monastery offers a wonderful view of the artificial lake Doxa and the surrounding area. The monastery was built at the end of the 17th century. The old monastery was located just under 2 km away.

A small church still exists at the old site. The Monastery of Agios Georgios Feneos is three storeys and an indoor court where there is a domed basilica that is decorated with Cretan School religious paintings by Panagiotis from Ioannina. The church also houses icons of saints and a library. Around the monastery you will see two and three-storey buildings that are monk’s quarters.

Monastery of Agios Vlasios

Located at in the Ano Trikala neighborhood, the Monastery of Agios Vlasios is a cultural and historical landmark. It was founded between 1300 – 1400 after a hermit found an icon and built the first chapel. The icon of Agios Vlasios was found in a large cave on a large rock across from where the monastery now stands. The monastery was a male monastery, but was turned into a female monastery at the beginning of the last century. The monastery of Agios Vlasios is the most important pilgrimage of Agios Vlasios in all of Greece.

Church of the Virgin on the Rock

The Church of the Virgin on the Rock is located on the rocks above Tarsos Village. It is one of the most unique monuments in Corinth. The temple was built during the 14th century. It is always open to visitors. You will not only admire the church itself, but the views of Ziria Mountain. Above the monastery there is the Cave of the Virgin on Rock. It is an ancient hermitage that is dedicated to Virgin Mary.

These are just a few of the monasteries and churches that you will come across when in Corinth, Greece. If you have an interest in history and the spiritual and religious that plays an important role in the area, you will want to visit some of these monasteries.

Categorized in: About Corinth, Greece, Greek Travel Guide

This post was written by Greek Boston