Monastery of Saint Paraskevi, 15th-century Orthodox monastery in Monodendri, Greece

The Monastery of Saint Paraskevi is an abandoned monastery on a rock ledge above Vikos Gorge. Its small stone basilica, the oldest preserved chapel in Zagori, has a single nave, a wooden roof and monks' cells around it. Inside, frescoes partly date to the early 15th century, including a donor portrait of Michael Therianos, his wife and children on the north wall.

Founded around 1413–1414, as an inscription over its gate records, when Carlo I Tocco ruled Epirus, the monastery was built by the inhabitants of Vitsa with funds from the local voevoda Michael Therianos. Tradition holds that Therianos founded it in thanks for the recovery of his daughter from an incurable illness. The south wall was rebuilt around 1689, as a related inscription dates its frescoes.

The interior walls display religious images showing local families dressed in medieval clothing and customs. These frescoes reveal how faith and daily life were connected in this remote mountain region.

A 15-minute walk from Monodendri village leads directly to the monastery, which is easily accessible on foot. The site features an observation terrace offering views into the deep gorge, and morning or late afternoon visits tend to feel less crowded.

The chapel is the oldest preserved building in Zagori, founded around 1413–1414 under Despot Carlo I Tocco of Epirus. It was paid for by the voevoda Michael Therianos and built by villagers of Vitsa. In the caves on the gorge face north and east of the monastery, hermits and persecuted Christians sheltered in Ottoman times, and small dwellings were built there around 1816.