Greece is one of its major refuges orthodox monasticismand therefore scattered with monasteries and convents, “strongholds” of the Christian tradition.
One of the most famous and unique is the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Timios Prodromos, hidden in the ravine of the river Lousios, on Mount Mainalo in Arcadia. Built into the rock wall, its facade is literally part of the cliff, with its balconies standing above the void.
The monastery on the edge of the cliff
The movi is built along the entire length of the rock cavity, 200 meters above the river bed and consists of two buildingsthe original one in the east and the newer one in the north which dates back to 1860.
It is estimated that founded by monks who lived in nearby hermitages from the 12th century and which over the years were united, around the end of the 16th century, forming the characteristic array of the communal house.
The catholicon of the monastery is a single-aisled basilica, with an excellent decoration of 16th century hagiographies and near it dominates the church of Agios Athanasios.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, amid the revolutionary struggle and the establishment of the new Greek state, the monastery helped to financially support the local society, through the contributions of powerful families of the rich Dimitsanas.
From 1838after a brief hiatus, has continued to house a small men’s fraternity, together with the working staff, until today, while in recent years it has also operated painting and sewing workshop of sacred vestments.
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