The Philosopher's Monastery is one of the oldest and most impressive monasteries in the Peloponnese.
Where natural beauty, human faith in God and architectural marvels come together, places unforgettable for every traveler appear. One of the wonders of the Orthodox Peloponnese is the Monastery of Philosopher. It is located not far from Dimitsana and the monastery of John Prodromo, literally hovering over the gorge of Lousio.
If you are going to the Philosopher's Monastery, it is worth knowing: it combines two monastic complexes, the old and the new. Both structures are close to each other, only 600 meters. The Old Philosopher's Monastery is the oldest and most historically significant in the region of Arcadia and is one of the most ancient Byzantine monuments in Greece. According to sources, it was founded in the 10th century by Ioannis Lambardopoulos, chief secretary of the Orthodox Church under Byzantine Emperor Nicephorus II Phocas. Lambardopoulos, a native of Dimitsana, was called "the philosopher", hence the name of the monastery. The monastery was erected inside a cave, above a picturesque ravine. Today, only a few buildings remain of it, but the best preserved Byzantine chapel of the X century with splendid frescoes.
The Philosopher's monastery is otherwise known as the "Secret School". It did not interrupt its activity even during the difficult years of Ottoman rule and was founded by prominent members of the clergy. Two future Patriarchs of Jerusalem and two Ecumenical Patriarchs studied at the monastery school, and the monastery itself was considered a major educational center.
The New Philosopher's appeared much later. The date of its foundation is considered to be the middle of the seventeenth century, the time in which Philosopher's flourished. It was then that the iconostasis in its chapel, which is famous for the works of the Cretan school of iconography, appeared.
In 1934, difficult times came for the Philosopher's Monastery. It was dissolved, the property was confiscated and sold off. The last monks left the monastery and it gradually fell into disrepair. In 1955, Filosofu was included in the list of significant cultural and historical monuments, and in the early 90's began its revival.
The first thing you notice when you find yourself in the Philosopher's Monastery is the unrivaled beauty of the surrounding nature. The gorge, the picturesque paths, the trees on the mountain slopes are the natural scenery for this historical monument. After enjoying the views, it's time to enter the territory of the monastery. Its monks greet pilgrims with treats - lukum and coffee or refreshing water from the spring.
In the chapel of the New Philosopher there are original frescos of the XVII century. They haven't been restored and look as they did a few centuries ago. Also worth visiting in the new monastery is the ossuary with the skulls of the monks who lived there and the stone holy spring. Whenever possible the monks will accompany visitors by telling them the story of the monastery's origins and development.
Having rested and gained strength, the pilgrims continue on the path to the "Secret School" - the old monastery. The road does not seem difficult: most of it is equipped and has simple descents. But many pilgrims do not take the risk of turning off the trail because of the snakes that are found in these parts. If that prospect doesn't scare you, you can set off. In 20 minutes you will be at your destination. Old Philosopher's will impress you with the power of the ancient stone walls, which literally hid the monastery from the outside world. The monastery is well "camouflaged" - it was necessary in difficult times, but still the monastery is not noticed immediately. The main church of the monastery has preserved the remains of ancient frescoes.
From the Philosopher's Monastery you can see the outline of the nearby Prodromos Monastery. If you have time, you should also visit this monastery and Dimitsana and Stemnitsa, historical mountain villages located almost "under the clouds".
If you want to visit not only the new but also the old monastery, it is worth wearing comfortable shoes and take a bottle of water.
By Car: The best way to get to the monastery is by renting a car. An excellent asphalt road leads to the New Philosopher. From the parking lot you will start on foot.
