A Symbol of the Revolution
On the southwestern side of Kalavryta, just 5 km from the historic town, lies one of the region's premier attractions: the Monastery of Agia Lavra. It stands as a nationally significant religious pilgrimage site and one of the oldest monasteries in Greece.
Within an imposing landscape, where Byzantine elements dominate, one is transported centuries into the past – to the era of Emperor Nikephoros Phokas – when, according to tradition, the Mount Athos ascetic Eugenios founded the Monastery. Despite the numerous catastrophes, fires, and plundering that have marked its tumultuous history, the Monastery has always risen again, even grander and more magnificent.
History has affirmed the immense contribution of Agia Lavra to the Greek Struggle for Independence, as it served as a centre for national action during the era of Ottoman rule.
Visit the Monastery Museum and relive its thousand-year history. Marvel at the exquisite works of art, the priceless treasures of incalculable national significance, the offerings of popular faith, and the national relics. Among them you will find the sacred Banner, weapons of the 1821 fighters, the vestments and pastoral staff of Archbishop Paleon Patron Germanos (Germanos III of Old Patras), the diamond-encrusted Gospel – a gift from Catherine the Great – the Epitaph of 1754, the icon of Saint George embroidered by Kokona of Rologas, important objects of worship, and a wealth of documents dating from 1688 to 1906.
Rest beneath the ancient plane tree – a monument of nature in itself – and take a few moments for reflection, and to feel emotion and gratitude for this sacred Palladium of Orthodoxy.
Within an imposing landscape, where Byzantine elements dominate, one is transported centuries into the past – to the era of Emperor Nikephoros Phokas – when, according to tradition, the Mount Athos ascetic Eugenios founded the Monastery. Despite the numerous catastrophes, fires, and plundering that have marked its tumultuous history, the Monastery has always risen again, even grander and more magnificent.
History has affirmed the immense contribution of Agia Lavra to the Greek Struggle for Independence, as it served as a centre for national action during the era of Ottoman rule.
Visit the Monastery Museum and relive its thousand-year history. Marvel at the exquisite works of art, the priceless treasures of incalculable national significance, the offerings of popular faith, and the national relics. Among them you will find the sacred Banner, weapons of the 1821 fighters, the vestments and pastoral staff of Archbishop Paleon Patron Germanos (Germanos III of Old Patras), the diamond-encrusted Gospel – a gift from Catherine the Great – the Epitaph of 1754, the icon of Saint George embroidered by Kokona of Rologas, important objects of worship, and a wealth of documents dating from 1688 to 1906.
Rest beneath the ancient plane tree – a monument of nature in itself – and take a few moments for reflection, and to feel emotion and gratitude for this sacred Palladium of Orthodoxy.
