Churches small or large, known or less known, easily or difficult to reach. Traveling to Greece you will surely come across various temples with each one having its own special history. One of these monasteries is awe-inspiring as soon as you see it and is literally wedged inside a red rock. The reason for the monastery of Panagia Elona which is located in Parnonas certainly impresses anyone who is there but also those who admire it from photos. The location of the monastery literally inside the rock reminds you of Meteora and makes you wonder how they managed to build it there so many years ago.
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Panagia Elona: The monastery that is wedged in the red rock
The Monastery of Panagia Elona in the area of Arcadia, is an architectural marvel whose history begins centuries ago. More specifically, its history begins back in the 1300s. There, on this steep slope of Mount Parnon, the monastery is located about 17 km away in Leonidio town. The story says that few shepherds who were in the area had seen a light in this inaccessible place that is today the monastery. And while at first, they did not pay attention, then they thought to look for the source of light on the steep slope of Mount Parnon. They then went to the bishop of Reontos and Prastos to consult him. Finally, after researching the whole village, they found that the light on the red rock was from a candle lit in front of an icon. But the approach was very difficult.
At the same time, two monks lived in the area, Callinicos and Dositheos, from whom the bishop asked to settle exactly where the icon was found. Finally, and with the help of all the inhabitants of the area, the two monks not only went but built a small chapel and two cells. This was the first construction of the monastery. Gradually, the monastery began to expand and reach over the years its present form, wedged in the red rock. The current building is dated, according to a sign at the main entrance, to about 1809. It is the monastery built on the foundations of the previously destroyed church.
The peculiarities of the monastery in Arcadia
Of course, this particular monastery, Panagia Elona, has many peculiarities due to the point where it has been built. Initially, the monastery had neither a dome nor hagiographies. The iconostasis of the church is also very special as it is carved with representations from the Old and New Testaments in walnut wood.
In Arcadia, there are other impressive churches that cause awe. There is also the Philosopher Holy Monastery, the “Secret School” of Arcadia. A riveting-looking monastery in the Gorge of Lousios.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Monastery of Panagia Elona is located in the Arcadia region of Greece, on the steep slopes of Mount Parnon, approximately 17 km from the town of Leonidio.
The Monastery of Panagia Elona was first established in the 1300s by two monks named Callinicos and Dositheos. The current building structure dates back to approximately 1809 and was built on the foundations of a previously destroyed church.
The Monastery of Panagia Elona is an architectural marvel as it is literally wedged inside red rock on a steep mountain slope. It features a unique iconostasis carved with Old and New Testament representations in walnut wood, and originally had neither a dome nor hagiographies due to its confined location.
According to local legend, shepherds in the area saw a mysterious light emanating from an inaccessible place on Mount Parnon. They reported this to the bishop of Reontos and Prastos, who sent two monks, Callinicos and Dositheos, to investigate. They discovered an icon illuminated by a candle on the red rock and, with help from local inhabitants, built a small chapel and two cells, which became the foundation of the monastery.
Besides Panagia Elona, visitors to Arcadia can explore the Philosopher Holy Monastery, known as the 'Secret School' of Arcadia, which features a striking location in the Gorge of Lousios. Greece also has other notable monasteries such as those in Meteora, Amorgos in the Cyclades, and Mega Spilaio, which is the oldest monastery in Greece.
