Description of the attraction
Skopelos Island is one of the greenest and most picturesque islands in the Northern Sporades archipelago. Magnificent natural landscapes, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear emerald waters of the Aegean Sea and the unique local flavor attract a huge number of tourists to the island every year. The highlight of Skopelos is the great number of charming churches and monasteries, of which there are more than 300 on the island.
The Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Transfiguration Monastery) is one of the most beautiful and oldest temples in Skopelos. It is located not far from the capital of the island of the same name in an amazingly picturesque place on a hillside. The monastery was built in the 16-17th centuries and belongs to the Monastery of Xenophon on Mount Athos. The famous Cretan hagiographer Antonio Agorastus was involved in the painting of the temple.
The main katholikon of the monastery is made in the traditional "Athos architecture". The magnificent wooden iconostasis of the 16th century and unique ancient icons have been preserved in the church to this day. It also houses holy relics, old church vestments and rare books. Near the temple there are small structures where monastic cells, guest rooms, kitchen and other utility rooms are located. In the eastern part is the monastery tower, which was once used as an observatory, as well as the main refuge of monks when pirates attack. Magnificent slender cypresses surround the holy monastery.
Every Sunday and on holidays the Divine Liturgy is performed in the monastery. But with special solemnity, the inhabitants of Skopelos celebrate here on August 6 - one of the main Christian holidays - the Transfiguration of the Lord.
