Where Greece Stole my Heart
As I walked up to the Monastery of Hosios Loukas I realized quickly that I was going to be blown away. As I walked down the narrow cobblestone path I could look out on the foothills of Mount Helicon. Situated down in the valley it had an amazing view, but then you turn left and see the monastery, and I was in love immediately. I have never felt more peaceful then when I walked through here.
Inspirational Rays of Light Coming Down
Walking into the Monastery Grounds
The Two Chapels
I walked through this archway and into the chapel. When you walk in you first go into the newer chapel which is covered with dozens- maybe even hundreds of mosaics that are beautifully put together with brilliant colors and gold accents- absolutely stunning. From the newer chapel you walk into the older chapel. It was built in the 10th century and it’s built with stone, brick and marble. It is amazing. I also learned a couple of things: when there are pictures of Jesus when he holds his ring finger to his thumb that’s Jesus judging, and there were these little aluminum pictures hanging under icons of saints and when I asked what they were they told me that when someone’s prayers are answered by a certain saint they hang tokens of gratitude under their icon as a gift.
Inside the Newer Chapel
Mosaics
More Mosaics
10th Century Chapel
Inside the 10th Century Chapel
After leaving the chapel we went into the crypt which was eerie, but beautiful. The walls were covered in frescoes, but there was one in particular that looked like it was always on the stones and someone finally uncovered it; it was meant to be there.
Crypt Fresco.
Outside, the grounds were amazingly beautiful. It was cloudy when we were there, but the sun peeked through in amazing rays stretching out to touch the grass below. When you went on top of a building you could stand in archways and look out on it. I could have sat there for hours upon hours.
View of the Foothills
Cute, tiny door
One of the Five Monks that Live in the Monastery
I haven’t been to Greece yet, but I really want to go. Your photos make it look very appealing.
Thank you! I want to go back! There’s still so much to see, but this was my favorite place I went to this time. It’s a must see! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Excellent Blog !!!! Thanks for your info
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Greece is one of my favourites – been to many of the islands – have yu checked out Samos?
I haven’t been to Samos. I only went to Aegina and Poros, but I would love to go back someday and see more. What was your favorite thing about Samos?
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I’m an Eastern Orthodox convert, so I’m so jealous you got to go here! I’m hoping to go to Greece at some point, and will definitely have to visit this monastery. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for reading! I’m sure you’ll get to go to Greece, and this is a must-see! I hadn’t even heard of it, but it was on the way to Delphi, and it ended up being my favorite thing that I saw while I was there. This would be a phenomenal place for you to visit, especially as a convert! Thanks again for reading!
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