Holy Monastery of Penteli, Orthodox monastery in Penteli, Greece
The Holy Monastery of Penteli is an Orthodox monastery on the southern slope of Mount Penteliko, not far from Athens. It has a main church, several smaller chapels, and a museum, all built in plain stone.
The monastery was founded in 1578 by Bishop Timotheos of Evripos and remained under the authority of the church in Constantinople for a long time. It was pillaged during wars and conflicts over the centuries but was always rebuilt.
The monastery is still an active community, where monks pray, work, and receive visitors. Walking through it, you notice plain stone buildings, old frescoes on the walls, and a daily rhythm that has not changed much over the centuries.
The monastery welcomes visitors, but modest dress is expected, as in any religious site. The grounds sit on a hillside, so comfortable shoes are a good idea for the uneven terrain.
In 1778, during a severe plague, residents from Athens took shelter at the monastery and stayed for about two years. The monks cared for them throughout, turning the religious site into a refuge for the local population.
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