Elonas, Greece

Elonas highlights

Known for scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery

The Elonas Monastery is situated in the southern Parnon Mountains, specifically in the region of Kynouria, at an altitude of 650 meters. It is located approximately halfway between the towns of Leonidio and Kosmas, making it a significant landmark in the area. The road is narrow with hairpin turns, especially if coming from Leonidio, making the journey to the monastery as scenic as the destination itself.

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Last reviewed: 23 December 2024

Elonas description

The Elonas Monastery's history dates back to around 1300 AD, although the exact foundation date is unknown. According to tradition, the monastery was established after shepherds saw a light on the cliff, which led to the discovery of an icon of the Virgin Mary. The first monks to settle here were Kallinikos and Dositheos in the 15th century.

The monastery is built into the side of a steep, reddish rock, creating a dramatic and imposing appearance. The complex includes multiple buildings on different levels, connected by stairs and corridors. The main church, a small aisleless basilica, was built in 1812 and features a wooden iconostasis and a bell tower added in 1831.

The Elonas Monastery is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and celebrates on August 15th, August 23rd, and November 21st. It is renowned for its miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the work of Luke the Evangelist. This icon attracts thousands of pilgrims each year.

During the Turkish occupation, the monastery suffered severe damages and pillages but played a crucial role in supporting the Greek Revolution of 1821, both financially and by providing shelter to independence fighters. After the revolution, it gradually regained its former glory.

In 1971, the Elonas Monastery was converted from a men's monastery to a women's nunnery. Today, it has been renovated and continues to be an important religious and cultural site. The complex includes guesthouses, dining rooms, and storage areas, making it a welcoming place for visitors.

The Elonas Monastery is a major tourist attraction due to its unique location, historical significance, and stunning architecture. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views from the ＂hanging balcony＂ and explore the chapel, which is filled with relics and gospels. The peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to see the miraculous icon make it a must-visit destination.

To reach the monastery, visitors can take the coastal road from Nafplio to Leonidio and then head inland. The road is narrow with hairpin turns, but there is a convenient parking lot near the monastery. The complex is open every day, and entrance is free. Visitors can also purchase local products such as honey and olive oil from stands near the parking area.

The Elonas Monastery offers a profound cultural and spiritual experience. The interior of the chapel, with its honey-scented beeswax candles and elegant wooden iconostasis, is particularly noteworthy. The complex also includes an old hermitage in a rocky cavity, adding to its historical and spiritual significance.

The surrounding area is characterized by diverse vegetation and towering wild rocks, making the journey to the monastery as scenic as the destination itself. The nearby village of Kosmas, with its picturesque square and local specialties, is also worth visiting.

The Elonas Monastery has been recognized for its historical importance and has been preserved as a landmark. It continues to be a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Greek cultural and religious heritage, attracting visitors from around the world.

Elonas related tours

We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Elonas during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Elonas.

We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Elonas. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.

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Price from € 5,306

View tour details Request this tour

tour starts in: Athens, Greece

tour finishes in: Igoumenitsa, Greece

tour duration: 16 days (15 nights)

tour countries: Greece

tour destinations: Andromonastero, Argos, Asini, Corinth, Elonas, Filosofou, Gytheio, Holy Kipinas, Kalamata, Kalavryta, Kardamyli, Kosmas, Mani, Mega Spileon, Messene, Methoni, Midea, Nafpaktos, Nafplio, Nemea, Oeniadae, Plaka, Porto Kagio, Prodromou, Prousos, Pylos, Tainaro, Vathia

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tour starts in: Tivat, Montenegro

tour finishes in: Athens, Greece

tour duration: 25 days (24 nights)

tour countries: Albania, Greece, Montenegro

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View tour details Request this tour

tour starts in: Tivat, Montenegro

tour finishes in: Athens, Greece

tour duration: 31 days (30 nights)

tour countries: Albania, Greece, Montenegro

tour destinations: Apollonia, Argos, Arta, Bar, Berat, Budva, Corinth, Dajbabe, Dodoni, Durrës, Elonas, Epidaurus, Gjirokastër, Ioannina, Kalamata, Kardamyli, Koroni, Kosmas, Kotor, Krujë, Loutraki, Mesolongi, Messene, Methoni, Monemvasia, Mycenae, Mystras, Nafpaktos, Nafplio, Oeniadae, Olympia, Parga, Patras, Porto Kagio, Pylos, Rio, Sparta, Tiryns

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Elonas, Greece

Elonas highlights

Other places in Greece that we are familiar with

Elonas description

Elonas related tours

Greece off the beaten track 16 days tour from Athens. Explore Peloponnese non touristy areas.

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