Makelaria Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Kalavryta Municipality, Greece
Makelaria Monastery is an Orthodox sanctuary in Kalavryta Municipality situated at 620 meters elevation above Lapanagoi village. It contains a Byzantine church with carved wooden iconostasis and a small chapel built within a natural stone cave.
This monastery was founded in the 6th century and originally bore a different name. Turkish raids burned it severely in 1458, after which it was renamed to its current designation.
The monastery holds items that connect to local struggles for independence and religious life practiced over centuries. These objects and the chapel within the stone sanctuary show how this place remains meaningful to those who visit.
The monastery sits around 30 kilometers from Kalavryta town center and requires travel over mountain roads. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for the elevation gain, especially when approaching on foot.
The site holds strong ties to fighters for local independence, with their personal belongings preserved there. This connection makes it a significant place of remembrance for regional history.
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