Monastery of Saint Paraskevi (Vikos)

The Monastery of Saint Paraskevi is an abandoned monastery situated on the edge of Vikos Gorge, in the region of Zagori, (Ioannina regional unit), northwestern Greece.[2] The monastery founded at 1413–1414, consists of a small stone-built chapel, the oldest preserved in Zagori, and offers panoramic views to the gorge.[3]

Monastery of Saint Paraskevi

Monastery information
Other names	Μονή Αγίας Παρασκευής
Order	Patriarchate of Constantinople
Established	1413–1414
Diocese	Ioannina
People
Founder(s)	Michael Therianos
Site
Location	Zagori, Greece
Coordinates	39°53′00″N 20°45′00″E
Public access	yes
Other information	Being in the Metropolitanate of Ioannina, this monastery comes under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, rather than that of the Church of Greece.[1]

Foundation and description

The monastery, named after Saint Paraskevi (Greek: Αγία Παρασκευή Aghia Paraskevi), was founded at 1413–1414. According to an inscription over its gate, the foundation took place when the local ruler of Epirus was Despot Carlo I Tocco.[3] It was built by the inhabitants of the nearby village of Vitsa and with the personal expense of a local lord, the voevoda Michael Therianos. Tradition mentions that Therianos built the monastery as an act of thanksgiving for his daughter's savior suffering from an incurable illness.[2][4]

The church is a small basilica, with only a nave and a wooden roof, surrounded by the monks' cells. The frescoes of the temple partially date to 15th century.[2] On the northern wall, there is a donor portrait of Therianos, his wife and children. The depictions are indicative of the dressing code of that time. The outfits of the benefactors are luxurious with rich embroidered cloths, broad braids and fringes. His daughter, Theodora, is wearing a white kerchief on her head, which is wrapped around her neck. The wall paintings on the south wall are dated from the relevant inscription around 1689.[3]

Surroundings

The monastery is built at the edge of a rough rock that stands over the Vikos Gorge. The closest village, Monodendri, is a 15-minute walk away.[3] From the terrace of the chapel, which has been appropriately designed, visitors can safely watch over the gorge.[5]

A number of caves are located in the middle of the rough side of Vikos north and east of the monastery, where hermits and persecuted Christians sought refuge during Ottoman times.[6] Moreover, for the same reason, a number of small dwellings were built around 1816.[3]

References

1. Metropolitans of the New Lands Archived 2010-07-18 at the Wayback Machine
2. "Prefecture of Ioannina, Epirus-Greece" (PDF). Prefectural Committee of Tourist Promotion. p. 14. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
3. "Municipality of Central Zagori: Monodendri, sightseeing". Technological Institute of Piraeus. Archived from the original on 2011-06-08.
4. Miller Korina; Armstrong Kate; Clark Michael Stamatios; Deliso Chris (2010). Greece. Lonely Planet. p. 344. ISBN 978-1-74179-228-7.
5. Paschos, P.; Nikolaou, E.; Papanikos, D. (2004). Explore the landscape, the rocks and the nature of Vikos-Aoos and surrounding area. Find out its history and civilisation (PDF). Greek Institute of Geology & Mineral Exploration. ISBN 978-960-98903-5-9. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-21.
6. Jackson Jack (2003). The world's great adventure treks. New Holland Publishers. p. 113. ISBN 978-1-84330-261-2.