John Prodromou Monastery

The monastery of John Prodromou is one of the most energetic places in Greece, located on a steep cliff.

How many monasteries are "lost" in the mountains of Greece? Probably dozens. One such monastery is the Monastery of St. John Prodromos in the Peloponnese, built right on a steep cliff in the mountains of Arcadia. There are serpentine winding paths that lead to the peaks, where you can especially feel the holiness of these places.

History of the monastery: from hermitages to the monastery

The monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos is located near the historic villages of Stemnitsa and Dimitsana. Several centuries ago there were already many monastic hermitages in the area, which were united to form a monastery in the 14th century. According to other sources, Ioannis Prodromos appeared in the sixteenth century. The inscription at the entrance of the monastery gives evidence that its history goes back to the XII century.

Lost in the mountains of Arcadia, the monastery is almost invisible at first sight. This was characteristic of many monasteries in the Ottoman period as a way for the monks to escape persecution. By the events of the Greek Revolution in 1821, the monastery came as a refuge for the common people and as a hospital for brave soldiers. In 1834 there was a brief period of decline for the monastery of Ioannis Prodromos. But by 1838 it had become one of the most prosperous in Arcadia.

The monastery today: the treasures of Ioannis Prodromos

Getting to the monastery is not easy - the roads here are difficult. But the spectacular views make up for this shortcoming: it becomes clear that only a strong faith could bring people here to the inaccessible areas of Arcadia. Over 1 km to the monastery ends the paved road - after a rest at the observation deck and a drink of water from the spring, you need to leave the car and continue the 20-minute walk on foot along a path that leads downhill. When you arrive at the monastery of Ioannis Prodromos, travelers and pilgrims usually stop in admiration, because the views of the rock and the monastery are so beautiful. In the monastery there is a dress code for both women and men. Everyone can wear clothes at the entrance.

The monastery of St. John the Baptist has preserved a large collection of rare and valuable objects. Inside you can see a collection of ancient documents, books and icons, many of which are revered as miraculous. Looking around the premises, you can marvel at the craftsmanship of the monastery's builders. It is built into the rock, and the frescoes are applied directly to the stone.

Part of the monastic complex is the old church of Agios Athanasios. Today inside there is a school of hagiography and a workshop for sewing clothes for the clergy, and there are chapels, an olive press, and a watermill nearby. Some of the cells and the crypt with the skulls of the monks who have inhabited the monastery since its founding are open to the public. Those who wish to linger in the monastery can stay in the pilgrim cells.

The Monastery of Ioannis Prodromos is impressive: its history, its location, its heritage. Every year, it receives thousands of pilgrims. It is especially visited on August 29, when the monastery celebrates an important religious feast. Pilgrims are attracted not only to the religious shrines, but also to the fascinating landscapes. From the heights you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the surrounding nature and the views of the Lusio Gorge with the rushing river over which the monastery overhangs. The best view is from the veranda. Outdoor enthusiasts should combine a trip to the monastery with a walk through Lusio. Another nearby attraction is the Monastery of the Philosopher, just 9 km from Ioannis Prodromos.

Every visitor to the monastery feels welcomed. Pilgrims are invited to go to the refectory to rest after the long journey and taste coffee and Greek sweets.