A very old monastery with a strong fortification. It is at the western side of the gorge of Lousios river in Arcadia. Close to it, less than 400m, is the new monastery of Philosphos.

History

The monastery of Philosophos (philosopher) is dedicated to the Assumption of Virgin Mary. It celebrates on August 23rd.

The monastery consists of two parts: the Old Monastery and the New Monastery of Philosophos. The distance between the two complexes is around 400m and are connected by a small path.

The Old Monastery was founded in 963 by Ioannis Lampardopoulos from Dimitsana nicknamed philosophos (philosopher) who had been secretary of the Byzantine emperor Nikephoros Phocas. Thus, the nickname of the founder became the name of the monastery.

The original monastery was founded in the 10th century, but took its final form gradually over the next centuries with various modifications and additions. The fortification wall was such an addition after the Fall of Constantinople, i.e. it was a construction of the late 15th century.

The New Monastery of Philosophos was not so new since it was created on more accessible ground in the 17th century, before 1691. The monastery was closed around 1834. In 1922 the ruined monastery became a dependency of the nearby monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos of Stemnitsa. After 1992, restoration works started in the New monastery of Phlosophow.

Structure, Fortification & Buildings

The old Philosophos monastery is inside a wild, impressive gorge, 200m above the riverbed, inside a long cave of the steep rock.

The Katholikon is preserved to some degree. It is a small, cross-shaped church with an eight-sided dome.

There are many remains of other buildings of the monastery including the cells, a cistern, two towers and, of course, the meta-byzantine fortification wall which is the prevailing element in the current image of the monument.

Sources