Monastery of Antinitsa
The Monastery of Antinitsa is situated on the slope of Mount Othrys and stands as a notable historical and religious site in Greece. It was destroyed by the German occupiers in 1944, along with the Sanatorium for tuberculosis patients that operated in the area. The monastery's restoration was completed in 2000, featuring the construction of a new church that serves as an exact replica of the old one. The walls of the church are adorned with exceptionally crafted frescoes, and it houses a rich collection of precious objects. Alongside the relics of saints on display, believers gather to pay their respects and offer prayers.
Monastery of Antinitsa
The Monastery of Antinitsa, dedicated to the Birth of the Virgin Mary, is situated in an idyllic location on the slopes of Mount Othrys.
The history of the monastery dates back centuries, and it is widely believed that its name is derived from the ancient city of Antinoe, founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD.
During the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and the struggle for national independence, the monastery served as a center of resistance. Today, the site that once served as a refuge and base for the Fighters has been transformed into a memorial site by the monks, known as the "KryfoScholio" (Secret School).
Destroyed entirely by the German occupiers on June 13, 1944, along with the "Mountain Sanatorium of Antinitsa," better known as the Sanatorium for tuberculosis patients, which operated in the area since 1935. According to sources, the destroyed church was a beautiful structure and the oldest Catholic church of post-Byzantine times. The current church is a replica built in 2000. The reconstruction of the monastery began in the late 1960s and was completed in the 1990s. It now includes new wings, cells, dining areas, chapels, as well as accommodations for pilgrims.
The magnificent frescoes adorning the interior of the church are excellent examples of Byzantine art. The relics of saints displayed for veneration and the icon of the Virgin Mary, considered miraculous, attract believers. The monastery also houses a rich collection of icons and precious objects, making it an invaluable repository of the spiritual and religious heritage of the region.
On September 8, when the monastery celebrates its feast day, the faithful gather in large numbers. Its location on the slopes of Mount Othrys offers an exceptional view of the surrounding nature, extending to the sea, making the monastery a beloved destination for those seeking tranquility and spiritual upliftment, both believers and non-believers alike.
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