Agnountos Monastery

Built in a green landscape with fortress architecture and impressive history, the monastery of Agnountos (or Agnantas) near Nea Epidaurus is not only one of the most interesting sights of Argolida, but also one of its oldest monasteries.

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Built in a green landscape with fortress architecture and impressive history, the monastery of Agnountos (or Agnantas) near Nea Epidaurus is not only one of the most interesting sights of Argolida, but also one of its oldest monasteries.

Dating the buildings was not a simple task because of all the alterations that have taken place over the years. However, thanks to an engraved inscription inside the church which shows the date 1029, scholars think that the monastery complex dates from the 11th century. 

The main church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, and is surrounded by two-storey monastic cells and other auxiliary spaces. One interesting feature is that the monastery complex is surrounded by strong walls fortified with towers and battlements which were needed to protect the nuns during raids.

Inside the church you can see some very impressive and well-preserved frescoes dating back to 1759. There is also an imposing wood-carved iconostasis which dates from 1713 and is an excellent example of folk art. 

To the South East of the monastery you will see the burial chapel of Saint John the Theologian, a single-aisled basilica built in 1766. 

In its heyday the monastery was very powerful and at times it was home to more than 100 nuns. It also owned a large amount of real estate, but over the years the monastery declined and finally joined the Taxiarchon monastery in 1874 and the Talantiu monastery in 1891. 

Tel.: 0030 27530 31241.

Location

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