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Routes & Activities that will be unforgettable

MONASTERY of SAINT JOHN the BAPTIST of GORTYNIA

The Monastery of Saint John the Baptist of Gortynia belongs to the Metropolitan Bishopric of Gortyga and Megalopoli. You find it in the Lousios gorge -around 200 m. above the river bed- under the mountain of Klinitsa.

Routes & Activities that will be unforgettable

MONASTERY of SAINT JOHN the BAPTIST of GORTYNIA

The Monastery of Saint John the Baptist of Gortynia belongs to the Metropolitan Bishopric of Gortyga and Megalopoli. You find it in the Lousios gorge -around 200 m. πabove the river bed- under the mountain of Klinitsa. In order to reach the monastery, you head there from Dimitsana and Paleochori, Stemnitsa, Elliniko, and Atsicholo -we are talking about using a car always – but also by walking or with an animal you reach it by passing below the old monastery of Philosophou, the monastery of Philosophou that is well-known for its Secret School. The car leaves you at the site of Metamorphosi and you walk for a quarter of an hour…

The monastery must have been established in the year 1545, as is observed in the old order of ritual, whereas in a document with the date: 23-3-1828 it is recorded that the monastery was established 700 years ago!

The Monastery celebrates the Beheading of John the Baptist on August 29th, and on May 17th, the day of Saint Athanasius of Christianoupoli.

In its possession there are various old documents, Patriarchal seals, receipts of purchases and donations, whereas the Codex of the Monastery is found in the Library of Dimitsana. The Monastery is supplied with water and electricity normally. From the year 1976 to the year 1982 a school for semi-literate priests and monks operated, from which 45 graduated!

Unfortunately, when the Monastery was dissolved in the year 1834, a state delegation came and took away the precious material assets of the Monastery with 16 beasts of burden, as well as the relic of Saint Athanasius of Christianoupoli!

Fortunately, the monks managed to maintain 87 receipts that date back to the years between 1616 and 1831!

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