Description of the attraction
Not far from the village of Aliki, about 25 km south of Limenas, there is a functioning convent of the Archangel Michael - the largest and most famous temple on the Greek island of Thassos, built in honor of its patron saint.
It is believed that the monastery was founded by the monk Luke in 830, although the exact date is not known for certain. The first official written sources that mention the monastery date back to the end of the 13th century. Today the monastery of the Archangel Michael is run by the Philotheus monastery from Mount Athos.
The monastery of the Archangel Michael is located at an altitude of 250 m above sea level on the edge of a steep picturesque cliff, from the top of which breathtaking panoramic views of the endless expanses of the Aegean Sea and the Holy Mount Athos visible in the distance open. The holy monastery was built in the form of a fortress and amazes with its splendor and beauty. On the territory of the monastery there is the main Catholicon, built in 1834, two small chapels (St. Ephraim and St. Gerasim), monastic cells and guest rooms, as well as workshops where nuns are engaged in icon painting, sewing church vestments and embroidery.
The monastery contains many valuable religious relics and important historical documents. The main shrine of the monastery is part of the “Holy nail” from the Cross, on which Jesus Christ was crucified. This important Christian relic attracts a huge number of pilgrims from all over the world to the temple.
Today, the monastery of the Archangel Michael is one of the main attractions of the island of Thassos. Its stunningly beautiful temple, extraordinary pacifying atmosphere and nuns, distinguished by rare cordiality and hospitality, will undoubtedly leave you only positive emotions. Do not forget that when visiting the temple, you must observe the appropriate dress code. However, at the entrance you will be given everything you need (long trousers, skirts, etc.).
