Monastery of Sepetos (Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary)

Somewhat lower than the acropolis of ancient Alipheira, built in the steep rock over the river Triton, emerges the impressive Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, known as Monastery of Sepetos. Regarding the origin of the name, various views have been proposed, from a Greek word meaning “venerable”, or from a Serbian word meaning “waterfall” or from a Greek phrase meaning “I throw you from a cliff”, which is related to local legend, according to which a mother threw her child from the rock and the child was not killed.

Its foundation is estimated in the period 1150-1200, that is the years when John X Kamateros was patriarch. According to written sources and oral tradition, its presence was important during the Byzantine period, the Latin and the Turkish Occupation. It is said that an underground school operated here, while many chieftains of the Greek revolution came here and organized and planned their actions. In 1915, the day of its celebration, the monastery suffered a destruction by fire, which incinerated the catholicon and several important relics. It was soon renovated and this renovation led to its present day form.

The complex is literally built on the vertical cliff and it spreads in five levels which include cells and auxiliary areas. Of particular interest is the impressive tower of the monastery, which has been renovated and houses the hostel. At the interior of the spacious church a special spot is reserved for the miraculous icon of Panagia Sepetiotissa, which is considered the work of Luke the Evangelist, while remarkable icons adorn the gold-plated, wood-carved screen.

It is a women’s monastery and celebrates on the 23rd of August.