Monastery of Agia Efpraxia
The Monastery of Agia (Saint) Efpraxia was founded in 1819 and is a nunnery ever since. The convent is located close to the Monastery of Prophet Ilias at an altitude of 500 meters and can be reached either on foot or by donkey from Hydra Town, which is a fun experience itself. If you choose to go on foot, the walk will take approximately 40-45 minutes. The path winds up the side of the mountain and offers truly breathtaking views. The monastery is surrounded by pine and cypress trees and also offers panoramic views of Hydra Island itself and the Saronic Gulf.
The Monastery is a small complex with a catholicon, distinguished by a fairly simple architecture. The small church was built in 1829 by Ierotheos Dokos, who dedicated it to Agia Efpraxia. The Holy Monastery is well-known for the charities and the spirituality of the nuns who live there. Today, only a few nuns live in the convent and apart from praying, they are engaged in embroidery. Within the complex the nuns run a small embroidery workshop where you can buy magnificent handicrafts. It is a worthwhile site for anyone exploring Hydra Island and you will definitely enjoy it. Please try to dress modestly if you are visiting a church or a monastery in Greece.