Skiathos Monastery of Evangelistria

Location: Kalyvia

The Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria is located in the northeast area of the island, about 5 km north of Skiathos Town. This historic monastery is built on the slopes of a mountainside at an altitude of about 200 meters and it is surrounded by lush greenery, mostly pine forests and fur trees.

The Monastery of Evangelistria is among the most important religious centers in the Sporades and certainly the most important in Skiathos. It is also one of the oldest monasteries in Greece and the only active monastery on the island. Its construction began in 1794 and was completed in 1806. It was founded by a group of Kollyvades monks who had left the Monastery of Mount Athos. They were led by the monk Nifon from Chios and the local monk Gregorios Hatzistamatis who had inherited land on the island from his father.

In September 1807, the Oath of Freedom was taken by important heroes on the grounds of the Monastery, with such notable names as Theodoros Kolokotronis, Andreas Miaoulis, and others. At the same time, the first Greek flag was weaved and blessed, bearing the iconic white cross against the blue background. During the Greek Revolution of 1821, the monastery played an important role in giving shelter to the fighters and refugees and offering money for the economic support of the Revolution. In 1839, the philosopher Theophilos Kairis from Andros was restrained in the monastery following his conviction by the Holy Synod.

Today the Monastery of Evangelistria is characterized by its impressive yet simple architecture and sees thousands of visitors every year. The Catholicon standing in the center of the complex is a Byzantine-style cross-in-square three-aisled church. It houses a wooden iconostasis and icons dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can also see the smaller chapels of Agios Ioannis and Agios Dimitrios.

Moreover, an exhibition of local products and a folklore museum are featured on the premises of an old olive press. A small ecclesiastical museum can also be found here, exhibiting priest clothes, rare books, manuscripts from the 17th century, gospels from the 18th century, silver and wooden crosses, Byzantine icons, and other ecclesiastical items. Vineyards have been created for the production of Alypiakos, the signature red wine of Skiathos.

The Monastery of Evangelistria is easily accessible from the capital by car or taxi within a 15-minute drive. Taking a public bus is another convenient option, with buses passing frequently through the Town and making stops directly at the Monastery.

Top Tours and activities

• Sacred Skiathos

  Category: Walking, Half-day

  Participate in this tour to witness monuments, historic churches, hidden corners, and small local museums of Skiathos!

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