Elona Monastery is one of the most beautiful and famous monasteries of Arcadia. It is located on the road to Kosmas and is 14 km from Leonidio while the distance from Tripoli is 107 km.
Built in the Dafnon gorge in an exceptionally beautiful location perched on a vertical and imposing red rock, it impresses the visitor by giving the impression that it is floating in chaos. Its position offers an excellent view of the surrounding area.
The monastery was founded at the beginning of the 16th century. Its catholicon was built in 1809. The stone belfry was built in 1831. It is believed that the icon of "Our Lady of Elona" kept there is the work of the Apostle Luke (one of the 70 icons that tradition says he painted). The icon of the Virgin Mary is considered miraculous by pilgrims and is completely covered in silver. The catholicon is decorated with a beautiful wood-carved iconostasis while holy relics, gospels, holy relics and many tributes are kept. The iconostasis is timeless and characterized by fine workmanship and imagination. On his breastplates there are carved representations. All around are old and well-maintained buildings. Today it is a nunnery.
During the Turkish occupation, the monastery was looted and set on fire many times. From 1875 onwards, it experienced an unprecedented boom with the contribution of the Leonidios, Specios and Hydraians. It played a leading role in the 21st century revolution.
The monastery celebrates August fifteenth and the nine days of Panagia. It brings together many pilgrims from all over Greece, especially from Kynouria, Laconia and Spetses.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou
