View of The monasteries of Palouki, Skopelos town & Palouki, Skopelos

Skopelos · Skopelos town & Palouki · Μοναστήρια του Παλουκιού

The monasteries of Palouki

Across the bay from Skopelos town rises Palouki, a mountain of pines and old olive terraces, and on its slopes stand some of the island's finest monasteries, linked by a road and old stone paths. Evangelistria, the Annunciation, looks like a fortress and has a gilded iconostasis made in Constantinople. Metamorfosi, the Transfiguration, one of the oldest, has a carved wooden iconostasis of the 16th century. Timios Prodromos, Saint John the Baptist, and Agia Varvara are further up the mountain. Most are open to visitors in the morning and late afternoon; dress modestly.

Where to stay

Evangelistria, Metamorfosi, Prodromos and Agia Varvara on the green mountain across the bay

The story of The monasteries of Palouki

Evangelistria was founded around 1712 by Chatzi-Stefanis Dapontes, on the remains of an older monastery. His son Konstantinos, who became the monk Kaisarios Dapontes (1713–1784), was one of the best-known Greek writers of his century. The church's gold-leaf iconostasis, carved with plants, animals and scenes from the Bible, was made in a workshop in Constantinople, and the monastery keeps icons as old as the 14th century.

Metamorfosi Sotiros, the Transfiguration of the Saviour, was probably built in the late 15th or early 16th century in the style of Mount Athos. Its wooden iconostasis of the 16th century is carved with plants, and some of its icons are by the painter Agorastos. In 1821 monks from Mount Athos took refuge here with their relics. Its feast is on 6 August.

Good to know

Before you go to The monasteries of Palouki

Getting there

A road climbs Palouki from the far end of the bay, a few kilometres from town to Evangelistria. Walkers can take the old paths up from the town beach.

When to go

Morning or late afternoon in spring and autumn, when the walk is cool; or 6 August for the feast of the Transfiguration.

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