Description of the attraction
The magnificent natural landscapes of the picturesque Greek island of Hydra, the clear waters of the Aegean Sea, a fascinating history and a lot of interesting sights, as well as a well-developed tourist infrastructure attract a huge number of tourists from all over the world every year. The island of Hydra is famous for its many beautiful temples (about 300 churches and 6 monasteries), among which the monastery of the Prophet Elijah certainly deserves special attention - one of the most revered Orthodox shrines of the island of Hydra.
The monastery is located on the slope of the picturesque Mount Eros (588 m) at an altitude of just over 500 meters above sea level and offers its guests magnificent panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf. However, it is worth spending a little more time and climbing to the top of Eros, from where even more delightful landscapes open up. The road to the monastery from the town of Hydra (the administrative center of the island) will take about 45 minutes. You can take a walk (after taking care of comfortable shoes and a supply of water) or use the traditional local transport - donkeys.
In the 70s of the 18th century, a small church was located on the site of the monastery, which was later abandoned. The monastery of the Prophet Elijah, as we see it today, was built at the beginning of the 19th century by monks from Mount Athos. The monastery of the Prophet Elijah has its own excellent library, founded back in 1870 by the current abbot Hierotheos Kostopoulos. Today only a few monks live in the monastery.
The monastery entered Greek history as a place where the hero of the Greek Revolution, Theodoros Kolokotronis, spent some time in prison.
The nunnery of Saint Eupraxia, located within walking distance, is also worth a visit.
