Filosofou Monastery, Byzantine monastery in Gortynia, Greece
Filosofou Monastery is a Byzantine monastic complex set along the Lousios Gorge in the Gortynia region of the Peloponnese. It consists of two separate structures: the older section built into a natural rock overhang, and a newer building erected further up the slope in the 17th century.
The monastery was founded in 963, making it one of the oldest in the Arcadia region. The original building eventually fell into disrepair, and monks built a new one further up the slope in the 17th century.
The monastery takes its name from Saint Filotheos, a hermit who once lived at this spot. Visitors can still see a church with old frescoes inside the section carved into the rock face.
The monastery is best reached on foot along the Menalon Trail, which can be accessed from Dimitsana or the Lousios valley floor. Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths run along the gorge slopes and can get steep in places.
The old monastery building is still a ruin and stands right beside the trail, so hikers can look directly into the roofless walls from outside. Those who look closely can still spot traces of old frescoes on the walls of the abandoned church inside.
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