Monastery of the Transfiguration

Four kilometres above Kamena Vourla, on the slopes of Mount Knimida, stands the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. It is a monastery for monks with a long history, and it honours Saint Nikitas as its founder.

The monastery

The first building was Byzantine, from the 12th century. It was destroyed and rebuilt in the 16th century as a three-aisled basilica. The frescoes you see today date from 1730 to 1760 and are worth seeing whether or not you come as a pilgrim.

The view

From the monastery courtyard you can see the whole Maliakos gulf, the town below and Evia across the water. It is one of the best spots for photographs in the area, especially in the afternoon.

When to go

The monastery is open all year. Its feast day is 6 August, the Transfiguration, and the Holy Week and Easter services are very moving. It is a working monastery, so please dress appropriately.