Greece is full of churches and monasteries that offer you peace and tranquility. Some of them stand out for their special spots that they are built in, and also for the view that they offer. In this category belongs a small church in Parnitha, in Attica. The reason for the Agia Marina. A chapel on a rock, a true jewel in the area, which ties amazingly with the wider landscape. Spectacularly, one could say, without exaggeration. It is no coincidence that many resemble a small Mount Athos, if we can call it that, next to Athens.
The history of the small church in Parnitha
The small church in Parnitha was built 800 years ago by believers to honor Agia Marina. Right next door, the cave is said to have been where the image of Agia Marina was found. Agia Marina is the protector of the sick children. Christians built many churches in her honor, not only in this area but also in Attica. However, one of the most beautiful is the one located in Parnitha, quiet and far from the crowds.
The church of Agia Marina in Parnitha is one of the most beautiful in Attica and not unfairly. You can get through the settlement of Avlona with the car, having to travel several kilometers of dirt road, which is not the easiest. Eventually, you’ll have to stop at the beginning of a path.
You don’t have to be nervous, and you can enjoy a beautiful ride of about an hour until you reach the chapel on the rock.
For those who want to reach it and like hiking
If you want to go from the most traveled route, you have to choose the path that starts from the section from Agios Nikolaos to Agia Marina. From Agios Nikolaos, a road from the center of Avlona. Initially, it is about 4 km uphill on asphalt, and then three kilometers of dirt road.
Parnitha, the mountain of Attica, and its beauties
Beautiful natural landscape through fir trees, caves, deer and other animals, lakes, and royal estates. Parnitha it is perfect for the Sunday stroll, especially with the children. For picnics and endless walks, literally a breath away from Athens.
If you are in the mood for more naturalistic discoveries, reach the Hippocratic State and Lake Belletsi, where the small streets are ideal for family walks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Agia Marina chapel is located in Parnitha, a mountain in Attica near Athens, Greece. It sits on a rock formation that can be reached through the settlement of Avlona. The chapel is accessible by car via several kilometers of dirt road, followed by approximately one hour of hiking on a marked path.
The small church of Agia Marina in Parnitha was built approximately 800 years ago by believers to honor Saint Marina. It was constructed following the discovery of an image of Agia Marina in a cave located next to the chapel.
Agia Marina (Saint Marina) is venerated in the Christian faith as the protector of sick children. Due to her spiritual significance, many churches have been built in her honor throughout Greece and Attica, with the Parnitha chapel being one of the most beautiful and remote examples.
The main hiking route to Agia Marina chapel starts from the section between Agios Nikolaos and Agia Marina. From Agios Nikolaos, you reach the center of Avlona via road. The route consists of approximately 4 km of uphill asphalt road, followed by 3 kilometers of dirt road, leading to the chapel trailhead.
Parnitha mountain offers numerous natural attractions including beautiful fir tree forests, caves, wildlife such as deer, lakes, and royal estates. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, family walks, and nature exploration. The Hippocratic State and Lake Belletsi are also nearby, offering scenic routes ideal for family outings, all within close proximity to Athens.
