Panagia Elona Monastery

This cliff side monastery dates to the 14th century when shepherds are reported to have found an icon of Mary in a crevice. A church was built at the spot that developed into the monastery. The current buildings date to the early 19th century as the old monastery was destroyed during a late 18th century conflict.
The monastery is located under an overhang and seems to literally hang from the cliff face. It is reached by a path cut into the cliff face from a parking area.
The 1st picture is along the access path. Ahead, a roof of the monastery is visible. To the left, the road is visible hundred of meters straight down.
The 2nd picture is the gate. The 3rd picture looks across a courtyard to the monastery church. The 4 and 5th pictures are in the church : the iconostasis and some of the ceiling frescos.
The last picture looks down on the main monastery building with a glance at the cliff face.Read more