The island of Skopelos boasts some of the most interesting monasteries in all of Greece. One of the most famous and noteworthy is certainly the Monastery of Evangelistria, or Monastery of the Annunciation. It is located about 4 km from Skopelos Town (the capital) , on the side of Mount Athos, in a position that offers a spectacular panoramic view.
The history of the monastery of Evangelistria
The Monastery of Evangelistria dates back to the early 18th century and is one of the most significant monasteries of the post-Byzantine period of Skopelos. Built by the monks of the Holy Mount Athos on the remains of a previous Byzantine church of 1676, it is part of the Xiropotamos Abbey.
In the second half of the eighteenth century, thanks to the financial support of Stefanos Daponte, belonging to a noble and wealthy local family, important restoration work will be carried out on the Monastery of Evangelistria and the adjacent Abazia di Xiropotamos. His son Caesar Daponte, a brilliant diplomat and refined writer, after a busy life, with several marriages behind him, decided to devote himself to ecclesiastical life, taking the name of Kaisarios and wrote his last works right in the Monastery of the Evangelistria and in the Abbey mother of Xiropotamos.
In the past, given its strategic position, the monastery also served as a defensive fortress of the Bay of Skopelos. The monks have indeed played an important role in the battles of independence. The Monastery of Evangelistria was also the first place to raise the official Greek flag in 1807 and provided great economic and moral support during the 1821 Revolution.
Over time, the Monastery of Evangelistria has recovered its exclusively religious function. Today in the monastery it is perceived, despite the stormy past, a very calm climate and a contemplative silence.
Characteristics of the monastery of Evangelistria
Externally the Monastery of Evangelistria looks like a fortress, surrounded by massive walls, designed to protect the holy house and the city from possible attacks and intrusions. With its compact and clear structure it is clearly visible from the city and the port of the island. The dome of the monastery was decorated with gold leaves by skilled artisans from Istanbul.
On the plaque in front of the building is remembered the donation of the Xiropotamos abbey made by the benefactor of the Daponte family.
Inside the church, dedicated to the Panagia Evangelistria, the cells of the south wing, the refectory and the oven are still preserved, as well as valuable wooden sculptures, paintings and splendid Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, which demonstrate the wealth of the benefactor. Note the precious frescoes in the church and the precious 17th century iconostasis in inlaid and gilded wood, made in an Istanbul workshop, with depictions of plants, animals and scenes from the Old and New Testament.
Whether you love history or not, don't miss the evocative Monastery of Evangelistria! This place will give you, in addition to the splendid view of the bay of Skopelos, a regenerating atmosphere of calm and tranquility.
The Monastery of Evangelistria is open at the following times: 08.00-13.00 and 17.00-19.00
The ticket for museum admission is only 2 euros
Do not miss the adjacent museum of the Monastery, which houses precious liturgical books, ritual objects, vestments, icons and weapons. In addition to a beautiful display of black and white photographs.
If you want to buy a souvenir of this evocative place inside the museum you will also find a well-stocked shop with icons and sacred articles. There is also a bar just outside the monastery.
How to get to the Monastery of Evangelistria?
Leaving the town of Skopelos Town, just after the Hotel Aegeon the road forks. Keeping to the left, take the small road that climbs with a series of switchbacks to the monastery of Evangelistria, where this detour ends. There is to do a dirt road of about 2 km, but the view that can be seen during the climb is priceless ..