Kalavryta Churches & Monasteries - Megalo Spileo Monastery in Kalavryta, Peloponnese, is a spectacular 8-floor center of worship that was carved into the mountain and perched at an altitude of 924 meters. The monastery's history dates back to 362 AD when two brothers, Symeon and Theodore, built it after a shepherd girl discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary made of wax and mastic inside a cave. According to popular belief, the icon was painted by Apostle Luke. Despite being destroyed five times since its establishment, the Monastery of Megalo Spileo remains a magnificent construction with a 17th-century church adorned with remarkable frescoes, mosaic floors, and a bronze door with relief decoration. Visitors can explore the monastery's museum, which houses carved wooden crosses, antique manuscripts, and Holy Gospels, among other valuable items. Notably, some of the monastery's significant relics are kept in a special hall, and on August 15th, the feast of the Assumption of Mary, the monastery celebrates its name day. Join us on a journey to Megalo Spileo Monastery in Kalavryta, Peloponnese, and discover the rich history and cultural heritage of this sacred place.

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