Founded in 1578 by bishop Evripos Timotheos, a local saint of Attica, the all-male Penteli Monastery was built amid the lush greenery at the foot of Mount Penteli.
Devoted to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the monastery was constructed with financial support from the Degleris family. The number of monks residing at the monastery rose to more than 100 after many who previously lived solitary lives in nearby caves relocated here.
Under Ottoman occupation, the monastery owned large tracts of land in the Penteli area and throughout Attica. Due to its longstanding relationship with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the monastery was granted many privileges by the Ottomans.
With high walls and heavy wooden gates, the monastery’s exterior resembles a castle, while the interior buildings incorporate architectural elements from ancient churches.
More Churches & Monasteries
Agios Georgios Karytsis
AthensOwned by the Athenian Kariki family since the Middle Ages, Agios Georgios Karytsis was nearly destroyed during the Revolution of 1821....
Our Lady Chrysopolitissa
AthensThe Church of Our Lady Chrysopolitissa on Eolou Street is one of Athens’ most historically relevant churches....
Agios Elissaios
Athens, MonastirakiThis simple, single-aisle basilica on 14 Areos Street in Monastiraki was built in the mid-17th century on the gardens of a mansion owned by the Athenian Homatianos-Logothetis family....
St. Fotini
AthensBuilt in 1872 near the banks of the Ilyssos River, the church of St. Fotini served the local parish....
St. Nikolas the Sailor
AeginaFittingly, visitors catch their first glimpse of this beautiful white church dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Sailor while approaching the port of Aegina by boat....
Glyfada Basilica
Glyfada, South SuburbsThis fifth-century Christian church, though in need of repair, stands proudly on Poseidonos Avenue near Glyfada Square....