monastery, it is easy to include some of them in the schedules of our trip, as we visit different villages. Many of these churches and monasteries date from the Turkish occupation, when Zagoria went through a period of prosperity.
During that time, churches used to be built in the basilica style, with low colonnaded arcades at the sides as the main feature in all of them. Their beautiful frescoes also remain in many cases, as well as the carved wooden screens that adorn the altars.
In addition, all of them have a stone arcade that works like a cloister and many of them have lattices of arches that rise forming independent bell towers.
One of the most remarkable villages when it comes to churches is Monodendri. During the 17th and 18th centuries, some local benefactors donated money for the decoration of the church. |
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architecturally interesting because of its stone-built houses with ornate chimneys and big courtyards.
| Agios Nikolaos Church in Tsepelovo |
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There is another church, dedicated to Agios Nikolaos which is found in Tsepelovo, the largest of the Zagorian villages. It stands out because of its great frescoes, which have been cleaned from the candle smoke and grime and it is today one of the best preserved churches in Greece.
In addition, this church is also considered one of the most beautiful in Zagoria because of its ornaments and gold paintings on the carved wood.
The monastery of Rogovou, dedicated to the memory of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, is also worth to visit. |
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Zagoria, there is a popular monastery which many walkers like to pilgrimage. It is the monastery of Agia Paraskevi and dates from the 15th century. Although it is not open to the public any more, visitors keep going as part of their pilgrimage and are well received by the monks.
These who are not interested in religious subjects can appreciate from this point the view of Vikos, the steepest canyon in the whole world.
Moreover, the Voidomatis gorge has an abandoned monastery dedicated to St Anargyri in its middle area.
As briefly analyzed, the villages of Zagoria count on a vast variety of churches and monasteries. Some of them are still in use, while others just remain as architectural and religious monuments - their great features and stunning views cause them to keep their popularity.
Take these places into account when planning your excursions, as their outstanding architecture and good state of conservation really worth the effort to reach them. |
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