Loukous Monastery in Arcadia, Peloponnese
Arcadia Churches & Monasteries - This monastery, dedicated to the Metamorphosis of the Saviour, is located near Kato Doliana in the Arcadia prefecture in the Peloponnese. It was built on the ruins of Polemokratis' bethel, the grandson of Asclepius, in 1117. Many sculptures from the bethel and the Roman country seat of Herodes Atticus have been excavated from its parvis. Loukous Monastery is mentioned for the first time in the 5th century AD, when the first Christian temple was built. It was occupied and used by Capuchin monks during the Frankish Empire. It flourished in the Ottoman Empire but was burned down by Ibrahim's extensive fire on August 5, 1826, because the abbot was initiated into Filiki Eteria and participated in the replenishment of the camps. Since 1946, the monastery has accommodated nuns, and many things have changed. There are some additional temples, a library, a factory for making carpets, where Tsakonian rugs in Byzantine alternant are made, and a painting workshop, where Byzantine icon painting is practised.
Explore the secrets of Arcadia!
Gallery
