Holy Meletios monastery, Medieval Orthodox monastery in Kithairon mountains, Greece
Holy Meletios monastery is an Orthodox monastic complex nestled in the mountains with a cruciform church topped by a central dome and surrounded by stone walls containing multiple chapels and residential buildings. The church sits at the heart of the enclosed compound, with structures arranged around an open courtyard that forms the center of daily life.
The monastery was established in the early 11th century and received imperial support that secured its economic stability. In the 20th century it underwent a significant transformation when it became home to a community of nuns.
The monastery is home to a community of nuns whose daily presence shapes the life within its walls and greets visitors with genuine hospitality. This active religious community transforms the site from a monument into a living spiritual place.
Morning and early afternoon visits work best when daylight illuminates the grounds and the community is available to welcome visitors respectfully. The entire site is easy to navigate on foot since all buildings cluster together within the stone walls and are connected by simple pathways.
The monastery once housed a large community of hundreds of male monks but dramatically shrank before being refounded as a convent for women. This shift from a male-centered to a female-led spiritual community represents an unusual chapter in Orthodox monastic history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
