Avgou Monastery

The impressive stone fortress monastery is nestled in the vertical rocks οf Avgo mountain and offers impeccable vistas to the gorge of the river Rados, Iria and Nafplio. It is dedicated to Agios Dimitrios and the Catholicon is overwhelming. It is located in Ermionida, Argolida.

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Nestled in the towering vertical rocks, with impressive fortress architecture, this amazing monastery dedicated to Agios Dimitrios, is awe-inspiring. It offers impeccable vistas to the gorge of the river Rados, Iria and Nafplio. It was half-ruined until 1990, when extensive restoration work was carried out by the Directorate for the Restoration of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments. In 1925 was declared a Historical Monument. 

The complex of the Avgou monastery was built in the second half of the 15th-first half of the 16th century, on the site of older ascetics of the 11th century. The largest part of the Catholicon was carved into the rock. The southern part of the church is dedicated to Agios Dimitrios. The northern part, where some frescoes of the 17th century are still preserved, is dedicated to Agioi Theodoroi. In the cave higher up and to the SE of the Catholicon, there is a small chapel of the Transfiguration with frescoes that are considered to be of the 11th or 12th century.

The elevated buildings that have given the monastery its fortress-like character, are to the left of the main entrance and have battlements along with rows of pinnacles. The main building is two storeys high. According to a Venetian census of 1691, and the testimony of historians and travelers, the monastery had more buildings.  

The complex was extended and wealthy -which is confirmed by the census of the Bene provatum of the Venetians in 1691. It included a triple tower, cells, a refectory and kitchen, a threshing floor and a water mill. It owned three dioceses-chapels and maintained a large estate. In 1696 there were 30 monks. 

The Avgou monastery took part in the Greek revolution 1821 and was burned by Ibrahim's army on 15 June 1825. It operated again until it was finally closed in 1833, when king Otto abolished monasteries that had fewer than 6 monks. 

Did you know that

The monastery is located in Ermionida, Argolida. 

It celebrates in memory of Agios Dimitrios (26 October) and Agioi Theodoroi (the first Saturday of Lent). 

Location

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