Lake Doxa

Lake Doxa is a “must” if you are in the Feneos area. This lake is like a magical mirror which reflects the landscape around it. The hillsides covered in firs, pines and oaks sparkle back at you in the clear water –a picture of serenity. You can walk along the small peninsula to the beautiful Agios Fanourios church, or you can go all the way round the lake on foot, or by bike, and then head up to Agios Georgios Monastery.

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Lake Doxa is not a place of myth and adventure like neighbouring Stymphalia, and it’s an artificial lake rather than a creation of nature, but despite this it is one of the most beautiful spots in Corinthia, Peloponnese. Even although it looks as if it has always been here, it was created relatively recently in the 1990s, when a 225 m dam was built on the Doxa river. Over the years, it has become a refuge for many species of birds, fish, amphibians and mammals, and the forests and mountains around it are home to rare plants which are endemic to the Peloponnese.

You can walk out along a small promontory to the chapel of Agios Fanourios, with its idyllic setting surrounded by the waters of the lake and the reflections of the mountains. The chapel is the only building remaining from the old Agios Georgios monastery which was built in the 14th century. Floods forced the monks to abandon the monastery in 1693 and they built themselves a new home higher up on the mountainside.  

This new monastery of Agios Georgios is open to visitors and, as well as a dose of history and possibly a taste of exquisite rose-water flavoured sweets made by the monks, you’ll also get an impressive view of the lake and the mountains. The main church in the centre of the complex is a basilica with a dome, and the monks’ cells, the guest rooms and the dining rooms were built around it forming a beautiful courtyard. You can climb up the narrow staircase to the wooden-built upper floor where, according to the monks, a hidden school teaching Greek was run during the years of the Turkish occupation. 

The main church is dedicated to Saint George and has interesting frescoes which are influenced by the Cretan School, and a wood-carved iconostasis dating from 1762.

(Tel.: 27477 70090).

Activities
Trekking: For those who want to do something a bit more energetic, there is an excellent path which starts from the lake and leads to Diaselo tou Kynigou (Hunter's Saddle) on the slope of Durdouvanas, the southernmost tip of Mount Helmos. The 10.5 km path passes through with fir, black pine and chestnut forests and is considered moderate. It takes approximately 5 hours.

Alternatively, you can rent peddle boats, mountain bikes or buggies to take a tour around the lake. When to come: The lake is enchanting all year round, but it is probably at its most magical in autumn thanks to the colours of the trees reflected in the still water.

Doxa is approximately 169 km from Athens and 90 km from Corinth.

Location

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