The island of Skiathos is not only sea, beach and beautiful natural landscapes, but it is also culture and religion. In fact the most visited places in the jewel of the Aegean (nickname given to Skiathos) are precisely the monasteries. Places rich in history as well as religious beliefs.
Here in Skiathos you can admire many monasteries, each with different stories, legends and constructions. You can't leave the island of Skiathos without admiring the most beautiful monasteries in Greece! And now let's find out some!
The Monastery of Panagias Evangelistrias
The first that you can't miss is the Monastery of Panagias Evangelistrias. It is a splendid 18th century monastery founded by monks from Mount Athos and built on ancient relics found in that very place. Here was an event that marked the history of the whole of Greece: the first Greek flag was raised, as a sign of defiance against the Ottomans who at the time occupied the island of Skiathos. All this happened in 1807, when the fighters lent their oath of "freedom or death" and used the Monastery as a hideout during the Greek War of Independence.
How do you reach the Monastery of Panagias Evangelistrias?
Getting there is very simple, just follow the road north of Skiathos Town (from which the abbey is 5 kilometers away). While you walk along it, it's impossible not to be dazzled by the beautiful landscape that surrounds you: the Lehouni current springs and the Stavros mountain that stands out majestically in front of you.
What to visit in the Monastery of Panagias Evangelistrias?
When you arrive at your destination, you will fall in love with the picture that will stand out in front of you: surrounded by a rich vegetation composed mainly of pines and cypresses and perched at an altitude of 450 meters, the Evangelistria Monastery rises in all its splendor!
For its charm we must thank the two monks Grigorios Karastamatis and Nifon who played the primary roles in the construction of the Monastery. What we find today are two monks who live inside and a bewitching building that unfortunately, like many others, has suffered the signs of the time so many parts are still being restructured, but the beauty remains and nobody takes away from it!
Obviously, in addition to the architectural beauties, there is no shortage of the fruits of the land of the Evangelistria Monastery: for example, the wine of Alypiakos, a wine which, according to Papadiamantis, was used to alleviate the pain and sadness of the world. In fact "Alypiakos" means "without pain". But in addition to this there are countless other top quality products that will surely be useful to you, even as a gift from donations to your loved ones, as a reminder of this holiday in Skiathos.
But it does not end here because the Evangelistria Monastery also offers a folklore museum and an ecclesiastical museum. In the first one it is possible to observe and learn about agricultural equipment, traditional clothes, domestic utensils and many other objects that bear witness to the daily life of a bygone civilization. In the second are documents, gold crosses and priceless books, including some documents with the seal of the Patriarchate.
A more special day you can spend here is that of August 15 (the day of August), when the epitaph of the Virgin Maria takes place, a very important event for the local people. It could be quite interesting for you, even to try to fully immerse yourself in the traditions of Skiathos!
The Monastery of Aghios Haralambos
Another monastery worth a visit is the Monastery of Aghios Haralambos, located 2 kilometers north of the Evangelistria Monastery. It is an abbey that houses 19th century frescoes. Consider that Alexandros Moraitidis, a well-known writer from the island of Skiathos, decided to come here in 1929 to become a monk, but unfortunately the case was that he died the same year.
Where is the Monastery of Aghios Haralambos located?
The Monastery of Aghios Haralambos is located at 250 meters high and offers a wonderful view on the island of Skiathos. Its inhabitants are neither common local people nor monks, but cats. Exactly .. you got it right .. a colony of cats has decided to use the Monastery as a home and they are also quite welcoming, above all because with sweet eyes and many purr they manage to receive food from fascinated visitors (certainly you must love these felines .. . otherwise better move to the next monastery)
The road to reach it is simple, if you have a car you just need to follow a path that climbs the hill, leading you directly in front of the Monastery. While if you don't have a car or you are experts in long walks, we advise you to reach it on foot. The panorama that surrounds you will repay all your efforts, trust me!
The Monastery of Panagia Kehrias
The other equally important abbey is the Monastery of Panagia Kehrias, located 8 kilometers from the City of Skiathos and founded in the 16th century, this building is surrounded by pines and olive trees that grow and increasingly tighten the Monastery, as if they incorporated it, this because of his state of abandonment, probably one of the reasons for which it inspires a suggestive charm. The most characteristic side, however, is the lantern of the dome that exudes fuchsia and light blue colors, giving beautiful shades to admire.
Papadiamantis came here to write his book entitled "Farmakolytra": evidently he too was particularly inspired by the place. Inside the Monastery of Panagia Kehrias there are impressive frescoes and incredible building works! And don't miss the relics of the ancient Friktoria located in the church next to the Monastery, which also offer a beautiful journey into the past.
The Monastery of Panagias Kounistras
The last must-see monastery is Panagias Kounistras, located in the western part of the island of Skiathos, about 10 kilometers from the City of Skiathos. This abbey possesses the Church of Kounistras, a single-nave basilica with a dome. Inside you can admire the icon of Aghios Christoforos with the face of a dog and splendid murals.
This Monastery owes its name to the discovery of the icon of the patron saint of Skiathos which, in turn, owes its name to the fact that when the icon was found, it wobbled on a tree and "Kouno" in Greek means "to shake". In fact the Monastery hosts an interesting legend, it would seem that a monks hermit of the mountains saw a light outside the window every night, but when it approached the source it disappeared. Only one evening did he see where it came from and discovered that the tree was his source. So he announced the fact to the citizens of Kastro and asked them to follow him. Once at the goal a young man of the group climbed up the tree to take it and from there the icon became a symbol of the Monastery.
How do you reach the Monastery of Panagias Kounistras?
The Monastery of Panagias Kounistras is easily accessible by car, the road to it is signposted. The only flaw is that it is not in good condition, there are several holes and it is sometimes not paved, so pay attention and do not drive on it with the scooter.
Here too you can participate in a very interesting event, November 21 celebrates the assumption of the Virgin Mary, another way to enter completely into the local tradition.
In short, as you will have understood in Skiathos you can admire many monasteries, each with different stories, legends and constructions. You can't leave the island of Skiathos without admiring the most beautiful monasteries in Greece!