A moment of rediscovery at the most beautiful monastery on the island of Thassos (GR), the Monastery of Archangel Michael
Hello travelers
In today's post, we will take a break from the hustle and bustle of Thassos Island and head somewhere in the high and rugged area of the island where we will spend unique moments at the Monastery of Archangel Michael.
Honestly, apart from the GPS location, I didn't look for any information about this monastery. I decided that I wanted to let everything happen naturally, to experience how a monastery in Greece could surprise me.
I knew about the monastery from my friends who had also been here, but also from the reception at the hotel where we were staying. The hotel owner gave us some travel tips so that we could have a perfect stay here.
From our accommodation to the monastery, we had to travel approximately 18 kilometers, which took about 25-30 minutes.
After leaving the town of Limenaria and driving along the steep edge of the mountains, landscapes opened up in front of me that I couldn't believe were real.
I was so fascinated by the mountain landscapes and the fact that the sea seemed to caress the hills that I didn't take any pictures along the way.
The monastery is very easy to access, as it is located right on the edge of the road, in a hilly and steep area. There is also a parking lot here, on the side of the road. Here's a tip: if you are in Thassos and want to visit this place, come early, otherwise the parking lot will be full.
The monastery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There is no entrance fee, but you must follow a few rules.
Since I hadn't read any information about the monastery, I didn't know that shorts weren't allowed inside (it was extremely hot outside), but don't worry, the monastery has found a solution to this problem too. At the entrance, if you are not dressed appropriately, you will be given a pair of pants free of charge, which you will return at the end of your visit to the monastery.
Let's take a few steps inside after I've equipped myself appropriately.
Right here from the monastery, we have an impressive view of Livadi Beach, a hidden but stunning beach.
The Monastery of Archangel Michael: some historical facts.
The history of the monastery dates back to the 11th–12th centuries, when a monk named Luca, a resident of the village of Theologos, decided to isolate himself and move to an area in the southeastern part of the island of Thassos. He settled near the place where the monastery now stands, and after about twenty years of living in the wilderness, Saint Michael the Archangel appeared to him and struck a rock with his staff, from which holy water began to flow.
The monastery was to be built on that site, under the protection of the Filotheou Monastery on Mount Athos. Although the exact year of its construction is unknown, it is believed that its initial form was built around 1287, as attested by one of the few official documents found.
The monastery is particularly important because it houses a fragment of the holy nail, which came from the hand of Jesus Christ (when he was crucified on the cross), but also because there is a spring with holy water nearby, which is believed to have healing powers.
I forgot to mention that this monastery is a nunnery. Honestly, after stepping inside, I was speechless. Everything was very well organized, nothing was left to chance. I felt like I was in a movie, with so many flowers, perfect cleanliness (I walked carefully, like the other tourists) and, yes, it was a special place.
I went to the church and the souvenir shop, but photography was prohibited in these places, so I didn't take any pictures.
Our visit to the Monastery of Archangel Michael has come to an end. I hope this post inspires you, not necessarily to visit this monastery, but to visit similar places in your city or country.
Would you like to view our trips in motion?
Check it out here: youtube.com/@2calatorisijumatate
THE END!
If you liked what you saw and read here please don't forget to give a LiKe, Follow, reBlog or a Comment, for all this I thank you, and until the next post I say goodbye.
P.S. The attached picture you have just seen are taken by me with my mobile phone(Samsung Galaxy S21), and the text is also designed by me.
