The Iconic Monastery of Kremasti

The Monastery of Kremasti (meaning “Hanging Monastery”), located 30 km (18 miles) from Katakolon Port and 15 km (9 miles) from Ancient Olympia almost hangs from the mountain.

This Greek orthodox monastery dates back about 800 years and offers visitors extraordinary must-see views of surrounding mountains, the Folio Forest, and the Erymanthos River.

History of the Monastery of Panagia Kremasti

According to legend, some local shepherds noticed a light beaming from a hole in the rock one night. The residents tied a man with a rope and lowered him into the hole where he discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary hanging from the ceiling of the cave!

The mysterious discovery of the religious symbol was inexplicable to the residents. Considered a sign of God, they built a monastery inside that very cave.

Converted into a convent in 1930, the monastery is now one of the best monasteries in the prefecture of Ilia. Entirely operational, a handful of nuns continue to live inside.

The Monastery of Panagia Kremasti celebrates every August 23rd when thousands of pilgrims flock to worship the Virgin Mary.