Emialon is one of the most famous monasteries of the Peloponnese, located in a surprisingly beautiful place.
The monasteries of Greece are a cultural treasure of this country. Even in the most difficult historical moments, they have helped preserve the Greek heritage. One such monastery is Emialon, lost in the mountains of Arcadia.
Emialon Monastery is located 2.5 km. southeast of Dimitsana. It was founded in 1608 and was named after the village of Variant in Messinia where the founders of the monastery were from. The first constructions of Emialon were built into the rock - their ruins have come down to this day. Some scholars believe that the site of the monastery was formerly an inaccessible monastic hermitage and then a Byzantine monastery. The first few hermits transformed the wild mountain slopes: they kept goats and sheep, and on the narrow terrace under the cave planted fruit trees and developed a vegetable garden.
Over the years, the monastery of Emialon actively participated in the struggle for the liberation of the Greeks from Turkish rule, did not stop working in the most difficult times. Thanks to him it was possible to preserve and spread the Greek culture and faith - the monastery provided active financial support and was considered the spiritual center of the Peloponnese. At the end of the 19th century, as a result of various internal conflicts, the monastery began a long decline and for this reason it merged for a time with the monastery of Prodromos.
In the twentieth century, the monastery was revived. Here, in an area called "Little Athos" in the Peloponnese, no more than three monks live at a time. Emialon is almost invisible - it has merged with the rock and is hidden from the hustle and bustle of the world. Excursion buses do not go to the monastery. They come here out of the desire to experience the spiritual side of the Peloponnese.
The entrance to the Monastery of Emialon is through a gate from which visitors enter the well-tended green courtyard of the monastery. The first buildings (former cells) carved into the rocks are a reminder of the early history of Emialon. But much has changed since then: the main church of the monastery has appeared and expanded considerably. In it one can see the frescoes of 1608. It was these that adorned Emialon at the time of its opening. These excellent examples of Byzantine iconography and the Cretan school are well preserved. Another shrine of the main temple of the monastery is an icon carved in wood. Pilgrims also come to Emialon to worship the relics of Saint Paraskeva and the Great Martyr Euphemia of Dimitza (Peloponnese).
Today the monastery of Emialon is one of the main places of pilgrimage and prayer in the Peloponnese. Some of the rooms of the monastery have been converted into guest houses that host pilgrims throughout the year. Believers can stay here overnight. It is impossible not to note the beauty of the nature of these places. Built on the edge of a cliff, Emialon seems to float above the gorge and offers unforgettable views of the mountainous Peloponnese.
The monks of Emialon welcome visitors and are ready to tell the story of the monastery. On the way back you can buy local souvenirs: oils, drinks, honey, herbs and handmade icons. A trip to Emialon Monastery can be combined with a visit to the other two monasteries of the Lusio Gorge: St. John Prodromo and St. Philosopher. The Lusio Gorge itself is fascinating - it is worth lingering on the terrace of the monastery to admire the views. One of the greenest in the Peloponnese, it is one of the most beautiful places of the peninsula. Loussio stretches for 15 km. and there is a turbulent river flowing through its bed. If you have time and desire, you can go hiking in the gorge - such excursions are quite popular in this area of the Peloponnese.
The Emyalon monastery has a very strict dress code. Women must wear a long skirt and men must wear pants. Shorts and beach shoes are not allowed. It is also forbidden to take pictures inside the main temple.
The hours for visiting the monastery are from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
By car: the most comfortable way to get to Emialon Monastery without making a change is to leave Athens and take the road Korif-Tripoli. The distance to the nearest village Dimitsana is about 220 km.
