Monastery of Prousiotissa

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Monastery of Prousiotissa

Built in the steep cliffs at the foot of Oiti, the church of Panagia Prousiotissa is an impressive cavernous church with a history connected to the railway line located just a few meters above. According to tradition, many years ago a train passing by the point was derailed and literally hung on the cliff above the church. Miraculously all the passengers and the railway employees were saved. Since then, the railway employees have taken over the maintenance of the church since they believed it was the Virgin who saved the train and the passengers. Later, a monastery was built around the cave which nowadays is an important place of pilgrimage for the locals and the visitors.

The church owes its name to the icon of the Virgin Mary that is believed to have come from the Prusa in Asia Minor and was found inside the cave. The church celebrates every year on August 23, a day when hundreds of believers from all the surrounding villages and the city of Lamia come this holy place to worship. In the old days, all the trains passing by that day from the spot used to whistle and make a short stop in order to honor the Virgin. The church of Panagia Prousiotissa is also known as Panagia Vardata because it is located very close to the village of Vardates in the prefecture of Fthiotida. The railway line that once connected Athens with Lamia and Thessaloniki is not in use any longer. However, you can climb up the steps to enjoy the magnificent view and take some really beautiful photos.