Evaggelistria Monastery Palaio Trikeri

The Evangelistria Monastery stands on the highest hill of Palio Trikeri Island, a small and peaceful island in Magnesia, Greece, at the entrance of the Pagasetic Gulf. Surrounded by sea views and natural beauty, the monastery is one of the most important historical and religious landmarks of the island.

The monastery was built between 1825 and 1837, on the site of an older Byzantine church that had been destroyed by pirates. According to local tradition, its construction was inspired by the miraculous discovery of an icon of the Virgin Mary at the root of an olive tree, an event that led the local community to build the monastery in her honor.

 

Architecture and Setting

The main church (katholikon) is a two-aisled domed basilica influenced by the Athonite monastic architectural style. One aisle is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, while the other is dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The monastery courtyard is paved with stone and decorated with trees and flower pots, creating a tranquil atmosphere that perfectly matches the island’s slow pace of life.

 

Religious Festival

The monastery celebrates its main religious festival on September 9 and 10, when many pilgrims travel to Palio Trikeri to venerate the icon of the Virgin Mary. During these days, the quiet island becomes lively with visitors and religious celebrations.

 

How to Get There

To reach Evangelistria Monastery, you must first travel to Alogoporos, a small harbor just outside the village of Trikeri on the Pelion peninsula. From there, small boats run frequent crossings to Palio Trikeri, and the trip takes only a few minutes.

Palio Trikeri itself is a small and charming island, with a handful of traditional seaside tavernas, beautiful swimming beaches, and peaceful walking paths. The monastery sits at the highest point of the island, offering stunning views over the Pagasetic Gulf, Evia Island, and Mount Pelion.

 

History and Accommodation

Although parts of the monastery complex are now in a state of partial abandonment, it is maintained by the island’s small community. Visitors who wish to experience the island’s quiet atmosphere can stay overnight in simple guest rooms within the monastery complex, usually for a small fee.

These rooms—around 100 in total—also hold an important chapter of modern Greek history, as they once housed female political prisoners from the Left during the Greek Civil War.

Today, the Evangelistria Monastery remains a place of history, spirituality, and peaceful retreat, making it one of the most interesting places to visit on Palio Trikeri Island.