At an idyllic location at the foothills of mount Velia, a little higher from Kalavryta, is the famous monastery of Agia Lavra, which is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Its history is directly related to the beginning of the Revolution of 1821, which was indicated by the raising of the flag and the oath that the chieftains took by the Metropolitan Germanos III of Old Patras.
According to tradition, the monastery was founded in 961 and initially it was located approximately 300 m. higher, at the location Palaiomonastiro. It was torched by the Turks in 1585 and operated again in 1600, while in 1689 it was transferred to its present day location by abbot Eugenios.
During the Revolution of 1821 it plated a significant role, providing money and food. In 1826 it was torched by Ibrahim, but the monks managed to abandon it, saving a lot from its precious relics. It was reconstructed in 1828 with the addition of a third catholicon, but it was destroyed again by an earthquake in 1844 and was reconstructed in 1850. The last great destruction was in the hands of the Germans in 1943 and the final reconstruction took place in around 1950 under the supervision of the well-known architect Anastasios Orlandos.
The complex is surrounded by the wings of the cells that create a precinct. At its centre there is a more recent catholicon, which belongs to the type of basilica with a dome, while on the right of the main entrance of the precinct, the catholicon of the 17th century, is of the Athonite type, that is one-aisled, with three conchs and a dome. The monastery has an excellent library with rare books and documents, and a museum with unique relics from the Greek Revolution, like the famous flag, a Gospel with diamonds, gift from the empress Catherine of Russia, and the priest garments of Germanos of Old Patras. Furthermore, there are the relics of saints and the skull of Agios Alexios, patron saint of Kalavryta, donated by Manuel Palaiologos in 1398.
Each year, on the 25th of March at the area of Agia Lavra a reenactment of the taking of the oath of the fighters and the declaration of the Revolution of 1821, attracting hundreds of people from every area of the country.
It is a men’s monastery and it celebrates on the 15th of August.
Informations
Contact phone:
Additional
Date:
17th century
Season:
Post-Byzantine
Celebrates:
15th of August
Holy Metropolis:
Kalavrita and Aigialeia
Address:
Kalavrita 25001
Access:
Car
Access to People with Special Needs:
Yes
Parking:
Free
