The monastery is situated 10km away from the town of Kalavrita. Built on the wild and steep side of a 120-metre high rocky hill there is a unique view from the monastery’s balcony. The monastery’s cells have been built around the entrance of a cave. The monastery was founded at this location in 362 A.D. by two brothers, Symeon and Theodore, because an icon of the Virgin Mary was found deep inside the cave where there’s also stream. The icon was created by Apostle Luke from mastic and wax and was discovered by a shepherd girl. In 840 A.C. the Mega Spileo was burnt down by the Iconomachs and in 1285, Andronikos Paleologos rebuilt it. From then on, this monastery became one of the richest in the country. The monastery went through another two fires, in 1400 and in 1600, at which point the church was burnt down along with the precious library containing rare manuscripts. In 1934, the monastery went through yet another fire during which invaluable relics were destroyed.

In 1936, the monastery was rebuilt but suffered severe destruction in December 1943 in the hands of German troops. All 22 monks and all other staff members were executed and their bodies thrown over a cliff. Today, one can admire a number of important and unique relics which are kept in a special hall. Every year, the monastery celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the 15th of August.



Opening hours of Mega Spileo:

Daily from 08.00 to sunset.

Tel: +30 26920 23130