Monastery of Osios Loukas

Located on the west slopes of Mount Helikon in an altitude of 430 meters, the Monastery of Osios Loukas dates back to the 11^th century and is one of the best preserved monasteries in the entire country. Dedicated to Osios Loukas, a prominent personality of Christianity that affected the pilgrimage and has shaped the form of monastic life in the area, the religious site stands below the acropolis of ancient Steirion.

The Monastery of Osios Loukas has been acclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to the remarkable environment and the unsurpassed beauty all around. Depicting the significant value of the area in terms of history, culture and of course religion, the world has embraced the monastery and there has been unabated interest towards accessing the site and paying tribute to its uniqueness.

Surrounded by olive groves and unspoiled landscapes, the monastery attracts travelers from all over the world. Upon entering the Temple of Panagia or Katholikon (where the Holy relics of Osios Loukas are kept), you will be stunned by the magnificent frescoes and marbles. The decoration has remained well preserved over the years and the octagonal temple is definitely an impressive example of the Byzantine architecture. The artful details and the high quality materials used in the construction of the buildings have made the site a major attraction in the area, not just to the pilgrims.

In a world where religious tourism has been on a continuous rise, the Monastery of Osios Loukas is a wonderful option to those looking for an inspirational, holistic experience in nature.