Located just a few minutes away from Athens’ city center, the Attica region has a surprising number of large and historic monasteries. Standing proudly over the city are some of Orthodoxy’s greatest monastic treasures; these monasteries offer a place of religious devotion and contemplation – a haven of serenity.
The Monastery Of Agios Ioannis Prodromos
The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos of Kareas, lies on the slopes of Mount Hymettus. Although the exact date of establishment remains unknown, some written mentions date it to the 11th or 12th century, while there are also valid arguments supporting that it was founded in 1644. What is definitely known, is that during the 17th century, this monastery was part of the Petrakis Monastery. Finally, after many years of abandonment, snice 1971 it has functioned as a women’s monastery.
Monastery Of Agios Ioannis Theologos
The Agios Ioannis Theologos Monastery is located on the western slope of Mount Hymettus and dates back to the 16th or 17th century. In the 1700s it was part of the Petrakis Monastery; since 1971 it has operated as a women’s monastery. Of exceptional interest are the well preserved frescoes in various parts of its catholicon depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Apostles.
Monastery Of Kaisariani
The complex seen today was erected in the 11th century, however, the Monastery of Kaisariani was founded in the 5th or 6th century on a neighboring hill of the present site. During the Frankish and Ottoman occupation, Kaisariani was an abundant monastery, yet by 1834 the monastery was completely deserted. The monument of interest at this site is a bathhouse that had a water supply system which was later converted into an olive press factory.
Asteriou Monastery
Located northeast of the Kaisariani Monastery is the Monastery of Taksiarhis, more popularly known as the Asteriou Monastery. Its history dates back to the 16th century when it was rich in academic purpose and had a flourishing library; by 1833, the monastery was gradually deserted. It remained in ruins until 1960 when it was finally restored to what we see today, including its catholicon, altar, cells, and an outdoor space with a fountain.
The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Kynigos
The Agios Ioannis Kynigos Monastery is located on the northern side of Mount Hymettus. Also known as the Monastery of the Baptist, the Monastery of the Philosophers or the Monastery of the Hunter of Philosophers, its names are all associated with its founder Philosophos, a monk believed to have come from the Philosophon Monastery in the region of Gortynia, Greece. This monastery survived the Turkish occupation until it was destroyed in 1833. Its catholicon is adorned with frescoes which date from the 17th century, and its impressive 13th century marble iconostasis was restored in 1960. Today, the monastery operates as a nunnery.
Penteli Monastery
Devoted to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Penteli Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Greece. Founded around 1570 by Bishop Timotheos of Evripos, the monastery gathered ascetics from the surrounding area of Penteli. Under Ottoman occupation, the monastery was quite wealthy and was granted many privileges; it also played an important role in the Greek War of Independence. From the original 12th century construction, the catholicon and nursing home still survive, as does a library of significant traditional and historical value.