The monastery of Eloni is one of the most fascinating places in the Peloponnese.
Some of the religious sites in Greece are not only spiritual but also architectural treasures of the country. In the Peloponnese, not far from Leonidio, is the monastery of Eloni. It literally merged with the red rock and seems to float in the sky. The pilgrims make their way up a winding mountain road to one of the most famous morasses of the Arcadia region. Each with a different goal, but all as one want to get close to the priceless relics of Eloni.
The history of the name of the convent is still a mystery. One theory is that the monastery was erected in honor of an ancient icon brought from Elos. Allegedly, in the 6th century, the inhabitants of this area left their homeland because of the invasion of Slavic tribes. Some settled in Monemvasia, some reached the territories of what is now Eloni. The inhabitants of Elos took with them their most precious possessions, including the icon, a reminder of their homeland. According to other theories, the name of the monastery is consonant with the name of one of the caves.
Whichever theory is true, they all prove that the monastery is of ancient origin. The monastery was founded in the 14th century and was built at an altitude of 700 meters. At that time, only two monks settled here, who became custodians of the found icon of Panagia Vrefokratussa. The kapholikon of the monastery was erected in 1809, and in 1831 the bell tower was added. There is evidence of the direct participation of the monastery in the events of the Greek Revolution - it is documented. Moreover: it served as a symbol of hope for the inhabitants of the region of Arcadia and all Greeks for their liberation from Ottoman rule.
Eloni suffered a lot during the Turkish occupation (it was looted and destroyed), but has preserved many valuable icons, ancient ceremonial objects, manuscripts of the Gospel and a wooden iconostasis on which scenes from the New and Old Testament are engraved. In the mid-19th century the monastery served as a refuge for the Greeks and gradually fell into decay. Only in the 70s it was restored and turned into a place of pilgrimage for the faithful. At the same time the monastery was converted from a male to a female.
The main relic of the monastery, which pilgrims seek to worship, is the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Vrefokratussa. It was painted, as historians believe, by Evangelist Luke. The icon is at least 700 years old. A few years ago the image of the Virgin was stolen, and its discovery was a celebration for all Greece. Another reason to visit Eloni is the relics of the saints. Pilgrims report numerous miracles that occur after worshipping the relics.
If you visit the monastery with a guide, you can hear many fascinating legends. The most common one is about the bright glow from the rock, which was seen by the inhabitants of the surrounding villages. The glow appeared every evening and emanated from the icon of Vrefokratussa.
In the monastery, it is worth visiting the monastery library, which preserves many ancient relics. Not so long ago, the cells and household quarters in the monastery were renovated. Some of them are available for visitors. All the buildings of the monastery are built on different levels of the rock and are connected with each other by stairs and corridors.
The fame of the monastery of Eloni extends beyond the region. On August 23 and November 21 there are two major religious festivals that attract pilgrims from all over mainland and island Greece. The area around Eloni is considered a protected area. Nearby there is a gorge that is home to many endemic plants.
The monastery of Eloni is a place that must be visited by everyone who comes to the Peloponnese. An amazing combination of architecture and natural beauty, a tranquility that will stay in your memory for a long time. And you will understand that Eloni is not called the "Holy Mountain" of Southern Greece for nothing.
There is a dress code in the monastery. Men must wear pants and women must wear long skirts.
By bus: the monastery is located 17 km from Leonidio. The nearest large town is Nafplio from which there are buses to Leonidio (1 hour). Then take a cab to the monastery or rent a car.
By car: from Athens it takes 3,5 hours to get to the monastery.
