Aegina Monastery of Chrysoleontissa

Location: Kontos

The Monastery of Chrysoleontissa in Aegina: Sitting on a high plateau on the hills of central Aegina, this hidden gem is well worth a visit both for its ornately carved icon screen and beautiful frescoes and for the sheer beauty of the natural landscape. Every year on August 15th, Panagia Chryssoleontissa (Virgin Mary of the Golden Lioness) hosts the biggest feast of Aegina.
Surrounded by five mountains, thickly wooded with lentisks and cedars and offering amazing views, this place definitely makes for an unforgettable experience!

According to the local tradition, Panagia Chryssoleontissa was originally built in the coastal village of Leonti, which was, however, very vulnerable to pirate incursions. After being raided and laid waste no less than three times, it was decided in the early 17th century that it should be transferred to a secure location away from the sea.

Legend has it that, for three consecutive mornings, when the builders returned to the construction site, their tools, left there since the previous night, had disappeared. Instead, they found them at the exact place where the monastery stands today. So, the monks decided that this should be the chosen place.

In its present form, the complex is square and includes a crenelated tower built in 1601, and the primary church (called the katholikon), which was erected later on, in 1808. Situated in the center of the courtyard, the convent church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God, Saint Dionysios, and Saint Charalambos.

Its elaborately carved wooden altarpiece, with its remarkable scenes from the Old Testament and the figures of saints and angels, is a real work of art. So is the silver-plated icon of Panagia Chryssoleontissa, which is the pride of the monastery. The impressive tower of the convent rises to the north of the katholikon.

Built to protect the monks from the pirates, it is 20 meters high and has three storeys. With its characteristically high walls, turrets, battlements, and narrow windows, it looks more like a fortress than a monastery. The place also features a huge garden and six chapels.

Having played an important role in the 1821 Greek War of Independence, in terms of both spiritual and financial support, this is also a place of great historical significance.

Up to 1935, it functioned as a male monastery. Since then, it has been a convent, housing about 10 nuns.

Visiting hours
From 07:30 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to sunset.