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Andromonastiro
Well-hidden in an idyllic place of great natural beauty near the village of Petralona, Andromonastiro is one of the most impressive monastic complexes of the Messenian hinterland and one the most beautiful monuments in the Peloponnese. It is a monastic complex with fortifications and one defensive tower, founded in the late 12 century by the Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos. Since then, the monastery went through six additional construction phases and it took its final form in the 17th century. It is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior but it is also called "Andromonastiro" (Men's Monastery) to distinguish it from a Women's Convent nearby.
The monastic complex includes the main church (katholikon), the refectory and the west wing. The main church stands on a complex of vaulted structures that cover the most important water source of the area, while a well-organized pipe system served for the water management. The west wing comprises the two-storied building of the stables and first-floor cells. Between them lies the monastery’s wine press, with a small cistern for wine must in the east. The first floor’s northwest corner occupies the “synodikon” a reception apartment for the heads of the monastery and the official guests. A second wing, includes the bakery with two built-in ovens and a two-storied structure with many rooms and a complex building history. A covered passageway in this wing's ground floor serves as the monastery's main entrance. This monastery is a rare monument of Greek orthodox monasteries. Since 1962 Andromonastiro has been dependent on the monastery of Voulkano.
The monastery had remained abandoned for years and unspoilt from modifications, but over recent years, it has been renovated with EU money and is now in an excellent condition and tended by a caretaker. During conservation work three layers of frescoes were discovered from the 13th, 17th, and 18th centuries. A trip to the monastery can easily be combined with a visit to nearby Ancient Messene and its Archaeological Museum as well as with a visit to the Arcadian Gate and the Voulkano Monastery. It is also good as a day trip excursion from Kalamata and all nearby resorts. Opening and closing times vary with the seasons and Greek bank holidays. Entrance is free and a guide will provide a guided tour for free. A visit is recommended to anyone whom has any interest in Greek culture and Greek religious history.
