Agia Moni: Nafplio's "Sacred Palladium"

Just 3 kilometres from Nafplio, tucked at the foot of a bare cliff as if trying to hide from view, stands Agia Moni — historically known as the Monastery of Areia. Locals call it the town's "Sacred Palladium."

History

According to the founder's inscription, the monastery was founded in 1149 by Leon, Bishop of Argos and Nafplio. It's a rare, well-preserved example of Byzantine church architecture, and a site of uninterrupted pilgrimage ever since.

The church was built on the ruins of an ancient Greek temple. Mycenaean tombs and traces of a Roman aqueduct have also been found in the same area.

The Spring of Kanathos

Outside the monastery walls lies a spring famous for its water — so much so that some identify it with the ancient Kanathos spring, mentioned by the 2nd-century AD traveller Pausanias. This spring served as Nafplio's main water source until 1960.

The Miraculous Icon

Inside the church is preserved the icon of Christ the Revealed: found in 1920 behind the sanctuary by Greek-American Theodoros Rogopoulos, who arrived in Nafplio following a dream and uncovered the icon.

The 2022 Restoration

In 2022, an extensive restoration was completed, with a budget of nearly €2 million. Notable is the new marble iconostasis, reconstructed using surviving pieces of the original 14th-century templon.

The Monastery Today

Agia Moni functions today as a women's hesychasterion, with nuns caring for the monastery. The scent of jasmine fills the air, while light through the stained glass gives the space a distinctive atmosphere.

Practical Information

Location: Aria, 3km from Nafplio

Admission: FreeHours: Respect the nuns' prayer/service hours

Practical tip: Combine with a walk around the Aria area.

See Also

• Aria
• Saint George

  FAQ

When was Agia Moni founded?
In 1149, by Leon, Bishop of Argos and Nafplio.
What is the monastery's miraculous icon?
The icon of Christ the Revealed, found in 1920.