Mega Spileo Monastery
Μονή Μεγάλου Σπηλαίου
An Orthodox monastery built into a cliffside cave hundreds of meters up. Tradition says it was founded in the 4th century and it houses an icon of the Virgin Mary said to have been painted by Saint Luke.
The Mega Spileo Monastery sits beneath cliffs about 940 meters above the Vouraikos Gorge. Its multi-level buildings are set into a huge natural cave, and it is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Greece. Legend says that in the 4th century a shepherdess found an icon of the Virgin Mary in the cave, painted by Saint Luke using wax and frankincense. The icon is still venerated here. The monastery museum holds ancient manuscripts, icons and liturgical objects, and the terrace offers views over the gorge. Admission is free. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees. You can drive, or take the rack railway to Zachlorou station and then hike uphill.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–13:00, 15:00 until sunset (check with monastery)
Nearby sights
- Zachlorou
- Vouraikos Gorge
- Lake Tsivlou
- Kalavryta Holocaust Memorial (Kapi Hill)
- Kalavryta
- Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust
- Kalavryta Ski Center
- Diakopto–Kalavryta Railway