Chrysopigi (Zoodochos Pigi) monastery
The monasteries of Mt Menalon
Chrysopigi (Zoodochos Pigi) monastery
At the foot of the steep slope that forms the amphitheater of Stemnitsa and near the large springs that supply the settlement, the katholicon and some auxiliary buildings of the late Byzantine monastery of Chrysopigi (or Zoodochos Pigi) are preserved in excellent condition.
The katholicon, dedicated to the Virgin Mary as the Life-giving Source, belongs to the type of complex rectangle cruciform church with a dome and is considered to have been built in 1443. The church has undergone many renovations and repairs and inside has 16th-17th century frescoes, and an interesting wood-carved iconostasis from the beginning of the 19th century.
Zoodochos Pigi church, the katholikon of the monastery of Chrysopigi
The external and internal masonry preserve evidence of the troubled times the monastery crossed, such as the engraved inscriptions of the 18th century, which mention attacks and earthquakes.
The katholicon oversees the main square of Stemnitsa, while next to it rises a three-story stone-built belltower. Parts of the auxiliary buildings of the monastery are preserved.
It is known that in a two-story main building of the monastery, which has been mainained in good condition, the First Peloponnesian Senate met in May to June 1821.
Trails passing by Chrysopigi monastery
On the occasion of visiting the historical monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, one can try one of the several hiking routes that pass through. Most of them are easy short or circular routes. These routes are presented in the menu of the page.
Text and photos by T. Adamakopoulos
topoguide Greece
A guide to Mt Menalon
Mt Menalon topoguide is available for Android devices as one of the dozens of available region of Greece via the topoguide Greece application. Mt Menalon is a member of the Peloponnese group. Get the Mt Menalon guide as an in-app purchase through the app.
Mt Menalon topoguide is also available for iOS (iPhone & iPad) devices via the application Topoguide Greece. Get the Mt Menalon guide as an in-app purchase through the app, found in the Peloponnese group.
topoguide Greece offers active navigation along the trails, as well as a comprehensive guide to the geography, the nature and the culture of the area.