Church storm-lights at an Arcadian Monastery

The monasteries and churches of Arcadia, in addition to being religious destinations, are also cradles of civilisation, where devotional art reaches its apogee with outstanding samples of architecture, icon painting (hagiography), wood carving, etc.

Experience the grandeur of the Orthodox Christian faith of Arcadia, on a tour of the Monastery of Lousios (the so called “Agion Oros of the Peloponnese), the Church of Theodora of Vasta and the Monastery of Malevi.

Day 1

ATHENS-DIMITSANA-MONASTERIES OF LOUSIOS-STEMNITSA-TRIPOLI

Boarding the bus in Athens and departure for Arcadia. The first stop is Dimitsana, seat of the Seminary.

Dimitsana is the birthplace of Ethnarch Gregory V and Germanos of Patras (Palaion Patron Germanos), whose homes survive to this day. The Seminary of Dimitsana has re-educated four Christian Orthodox Patriarchs and two Ecumenical Patriarchs, on the whole.

We visit the home of Gregory V, which has been turned into a Church Museum.

After a break for lunch we visit Moni Filosofou (Monastery of the Philosopher).

The historical Monasteries of Lousios (Prodromou, Filosofou, Amialon and Kalamiou), are literally hanging over the cliffs of the gorge.

Next we visit the historic town of Stemnitsa.

Walking around the picturesque cobblestone streets, we encounter many Byzantine temples including the beautiful Church of Panagia Bafero and its wonderful yard.

Arrival in Tripoli and settling in to the hotel for overnight stay.

  

 

Day 2

TRIPOLI-AGIA THEODORA VASTA-LEONTARI-MONASTERY MPOURA-TRIPOLI

Breakfast and boarding the bus for departure. Our destination is the famous church of Agia Theodora Vasta. The story of Saint Theodora is breathtaking and, in many ways, similar to that of Joan of Arc (aka Jeanne d’Arc).

During the Byzantine era, at the time of the Saint’s life, each family had to contribute one man to the army or alternatively hire a mercenary to represent it. Theodora’s family was poor and had no male representatives, so Theodora masqueraded as a man and joined the army!

At first, the “young soldier” was distinguished for “his” virtue, until a young girl fell madly in love with “him”. Because Theodora did not reciprocate the love, the girl reported her to the senior officers and claimed that Theodora molested her and left her pregnant…

So, Theodora was sentenced to death. Shortly before she died, she whispered a prayer: “may my body turn into a temple, my blood into water and my hair into trees”. And so it happened…!

In the place where Theodora drew her last breath there is now a small chapel, on top of which are seventeen towering oak trees. The roots of the trees are not very visible either on the ceiling or on the side walls. Also, under the church there is plenty of fresh running water leading to a river.

After visiting the famous chapel we will quench our thirst in the shade of the platanus trees, have lunch next to an old yet fully functional water mill, and then board the bus.

Next stop is Leontari in Falaisia, old Seigniory of Mystras.

There we find the 14^th century Byzantine Temple of Agioi Apostoloi, considered a masterpiece of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture. Originally, it was decorated with supreme Palaeologan frescoes from the 14^th century. Today, they are largely covered by subsequent coatings. Do not forget to check out the elegant marble chancel as well as the colourful mosaic floor.

Near Leontari we also find the Sacred Monastery Kimisi tis Theotokou (Assumption of the Virgin Mary) who dates back to the 12^th century.

In the yard of the monastery, tended by the nuns, we visit the church of Agios Alexios, the temples of Agioi Anargyroi, Rafail, Nikolaos and Eirini and the two-storey building that houses the cells, the workshops and the library.  Return to Tripoli for overnight stay.

 

 

Day 3

TRIPOLI-THE MONASTERY OF MALEVI-AGIOS PETROS-KOIMISI TEGEAS-TRIPOLI

Breakfast and departure for the Monastery of Malevi in Parnonas.

Construction of this spectacular monastery, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, began in the 7^th century AD.

Here we experience a deep feeling of devoutness as we gaze upon the Icon of the Virgin Mary, hand-painted by Luke the Evangelist.

After a stop for lunch in the picturesque stone-built temple of Agios Petros Kynourias, we visit the Park of the Association of Tegea.

There, we visit the Holy Temple of Koimisi tis Theotokou, built with pieces from the surrounding archaeological site, the Paleao-Christian mosaics and the Tegea Folk Art Museum.

Near Tripoli, we find the Holy Monastery of Agios Nikolaos of Varson, with the 16^th century Catholic Church and the magnificent view of the valley. Return to Tripoli for overnight stay.

 

 

Day 4

TRIPOLI-ATHENS

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day, for shopping and walking around Tripoli. Boarding the bus and return to Athens.

 
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