Zaraka Monastery, Medieval monastery ruins near Stymfalia, Greece
Description
Zaraka Monastery is a medieval monastery ruin near Lake Stymphalia with preserved architectural remains from its founding period. A vaulted gatehouse, sections of the church, and portions of the defensive wall are still visible at the site today.
History
The monastery was founded in 1201 by Cistercian monks during the Frankokratia period and operated as a religious center until its abandonment in the early 13th century. This establishment came when European monastic orders were expanding into Mediterranean territories.
Culture
The monastery served as a center for monastic life and spiritual devotion, where monks maintained daily routines of prayer and labor within the fortified walls. The layout of the buildings still reflects how the community organized their religious and practical activities.
Practical
The site is open for visitors year-round and is managed by the 25th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities. It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear since the paths across the ruins have uneven terrain.
Did you know?
The monastery stands as the only Cistercian foundation in Greece and incorporated recycled stone materials from an ancient temple of Artemis into its construction. This blending of medieval and ancient architecture makes the site archaeologically distinctive.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Sikyona Municipality).
The Peloponnese peninsula is a place where history and nature coexist. You will find ancient theaters carved into hillsides, medieval castles standing on rocky cliffs, and the remains of Byzantine structures scattered across the landscape. Natural wonders are equally impressive: waterfalls cascade...
Nemea
23.1 km
Lake Doxa
16.6 km
Kyllini
9.7 km
Temple of Zeus in Nemea
23.1 km
Hagia Foteini Mantineia
28.4 km
Chelmos Observatory
26.4 km
Stadium of Nemea
23.5 km
Archaeological Museum of Nemea
23.2 km
Heroon at Nemea
18.5 km
Titane (Sicyon)
15.8 km
Mycenaean cemetery of Aidonia
11.4 km
Korfiotissa monastery
25.3 km
Nemean Baths
23.1 km
Ponors of Kapsia
28.7 km
Temple of Hercules at Cleonae
28.1 km
Tower of Zarouhla
21.4 km
Theatre of Orchomenos (Arcadia)
20.3 km
Greek Theatre of Mantinea
28.3 km
Archaeological museum of Sicyon
26 km
Blockhouse near Fichti
26.8 km
Church of Panagia, Levidi
23.5 km
Aristarchos 2.3 m Telescope
26.3 km
Statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis, Dervenakia
27.7 km
Ancient Greek theatre of Sicyon
25.8 km
Church of Agios Fanourios, Feneos
16.5 km
Wall of Mantineia
27.7 km
Villa of Typaldos brothers (Villa Sikelianou)
28.3 km
Ancient theatre of Phlious
16.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes