The Greek Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world, and its monasteries are among the most important religious sites in Greece. You can find these monasteries perched on remote mountaintops or beautiful islands, giving them a mysterious vibe that adds to their spiritual importance.
If you are keen to explore amazing sacred sites filled with Byzantine art, below I have listed 10 of the most beautiful ones according to my experiences.
Holy Monastery of Kipinas – Kalarites / Epirus
Deep in the Tzoumerka mountains lies the hidden jewel of the Holy Monastery of Kipinas (which means “small gardens”), and it instantly fills visitors with awe at the mere sight of its position. Proudly standing on a craggy rock in North Tzoumerka, near the village of Kalarites, it offers some of the most stunning views.
Built entirely into the rock, the monastery was founded during the 13th century and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This site is truly unique and will astonish you!
Photo Credit: https://www.atlasobscura.com/users/lia-mageira
Monastery of Timios Prodromos – Kynouria / Peloponnese
The Monastery of Timios Prodromos (meaning “The Fair Forerunner”) stands as one of the most significant historical sites in Arcadia. It is situated on a rocky cliff along the eastern bank of the Tanos River, at an elevation of 937 meters.
Built in 1126, the monastery is deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox tradition and offers visitors a profound insight into the region’s religious and cultural heritage. As you approach, you’re met with remarkable architecture that blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. The peaceful environment and soft sounds of nature create an ideal setting for contemplation and introspection.
Arkadi Monastery – Rethymno / Crete
The Arkadi region is named after one of Crete’s most beautiful and famous monasteries. Founded in the 13th century, it is a place full of historical significance, natural beauty, and rich traditions.
This glorious monastery is not only a spiritual center but also a historic symbol of resistance. It is best known for a tragic and heroic event during the Cretan rebellion against the Turks—known as the “Arkadi Tragedy.” During the uprising, monks, women, and children took refuge in the monastery and hid in the powder room where gunpowder was stored. When the Turks broke through, a Cretan fighter named Konstantinos Giaboudakis chose to set the barrels of gunpowder on fire, killing everyone inside rather than surrender. The explosion also took the lives of more than 1,500 Ottoman soldiers.
Today, the Arkadi Monastery stands as one of Crete’s most venerated symbols of freedom.
Photo by Leonhard Niederwimmer on Unsplash
Mount Athos Monasteries – Mount Athos / Chalkidiki
Mount Athos is the spiritual capital of the Orthodox Christian world.
Only men are permitted to visit Mount Athos (with absolutely no exceptions). Known as the Holy Mountain, it is an autonomous monastic republic located on the easternmost peninsula of Halkidiki in northeastern Greece. In Greek, Mount Athos is called “Agio Oros,” referring to the 2,033-meter-high mountain itself.
The Holy Mountain is honored by Eastern Orthodox Christians as sacred ground and a place of pilgrimage. Home to 20 monasteries and approximately 2,000 monks, it is the oldest surviving monastic community on Earth!
Photo Credit: sjhaytov
Holy Monastery of Mega Spileon – Kalavryta / Peloponnese
One of the oldest, richest, and most important monasteries in Greece, the Holy Monastery of Mega Spileon is built into a steep rock face hanging over the Vouraikos Gorge at a height of 924 meters. It offers breathtaking views from its balcony.
The monastery holds an invaluable collection of treasures: over 3,000 books, rare gospels, scrolls, a rare banner, icons of great value, precious crosses, and many other sacred items. The main church features mural paintings dating back to 1653 and the 19th century, a wooden carved iconostasis (altar screen), and remarkable marble inlays.
Mega Spileon is deeply connected to some of the most significant chapters in Greek religious history and remains a key reference point in Orthodox heritage.
Panagia Hozoviotissa – Amorgos Island
The Holy Mother (Panagia) Hozoviotissa is a 10th-century monastery perched on a cliff, representing Orthodoxy and serving as a site of profound spirituality. Located at an elevation of 300 meters, it was renovated in 1088 under the direction of Alexius Comnenus. This monastery is a true source of pride for the island, housing a sacred icon that dates back to the fourth century. In 1088, a shipwreck occurred involving an icon of the Virgin Mary, which was miraculously preserved. In recognition of this miracle, it was decided to construct a monastery on the cliff above the site where the icon was discovered. Hozoviotissa beautifully integrates human craftsmanship with the surrounding natural beauty, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
Photo Credit: d.marinopoulos
The Meteora Monasteries – Kalambaka
Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists of a complex of six monasteries built atop enormous rocks. Not only is it a UNESCO site, but it is also a treasure of uniqueness—a holy place, a geopark, and home to some of the most spiritual and peaceful locations in Greece and all of Europe.
Meteora is a marvel of human creativity. This rock formation is home to one of the most beautiful monastery complexes in the world, with its imposing pillars, gigantic boulders, and intricate churches.
Holy Monastery of Prousos, Panagia Prousiotissa – Karpenisi / Evrytania
Built on a steep rock above an impressive deep canyon, the Holy Monastery of Prousos is also known as the “House of the Virgin Mary.” According to legend, the Virgin Mary Theotokos (Mother of God) miraculously chose this site. The monastery dates back to 829 AD, and the icon of Panagia Prousiotissa was found in a cave that had traveled to Greece from Bursa in Asia Minor. The chapel now houses this miraculous icon, and as a result, believers from both Greece and abroad come here for worship and pilgrimage.
This stunning monastery, steeped in history and spirituality, is famous for its spectacular views and tranquil environment.
Moni Agiou Ioannou Prodromou – Stemnitsa / Peloponnese
A 15-minute walk leads down to this extraordinary monastery, which has been hanging on the cliffs since around 1600 AD.
Located in the heart of Gortynia, near Stemnitsa, you will find the Monastery of Timios Prodromos, the Great Cave of Gortynia, built on a rock in the Lousios Gorge. The monastery, dating back to the 12th century, is accessible by car up to a certain point, after which a few minutes of hiking are required under the enormous rock.
A hauntingly beautiful monastery with breathtaking views.
Holy Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos – Patmos Island
If you are planning to see just one Greek monastery in your life, the Holy Monastery of St. John Theologos should be enough.
Best known as the location where the Apostle John received and wrote the visions found in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, this monastery is considered one of the most important religious destinations on the globe. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it is revered for its association with the Book of Revelation.
Built in the 11th century by Blessed St. Christodoulos, it was designed as a citadel with strong enclosing walls. Perched high on a hill, it was strategically positioned to protect the monastery from pirate attacks.
Photo by Leonhard Niederwimmer on Unsplash arkadi
