Skopelos Monastery of Metamorfosi

Location: Town

Built around the late 15th or early 16th century, the Monastery of Metamorfosi is one of the oldest in Skopelos and is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus. Visitors can find it in the area of Mount Palouki, surrounded by lush vegetation.

In terms of architecture, the monastery’s main church follows the style prevalent on Mount Athos at the time, testifying to the close link between Skopelos and one of the country’s most significant monastic centers. Inside the temple, it is possible to see an ornately carved wooden altarpiece dating from the 16th century, as well as a series of portable icons painted by the renowned Byzantine icon painter Agorastos. Moreover, it is said that in 1821, during the Greek War of Independence, monks from Mount Athos brought several holy relics to the monastery for safekeeping.

The building complex is divided into two wings, with the guest house, the kitchen and the monks’ cells located on the southern one, and two chapels housed inside a tower-like construction on the northern wing. A small tower that used to function as a lookout for pirates also rises on the eastern side.

The monastery celebrates on the 6th of August.