Holy Monastery of St. John the Baptist, Karea
The Monastery of St. John Karea is built on a rocky ravine Hymettus, the Byron area. The monastery was founded in Byzantine times with Catholic monastery to be built in place early Christian church, where once stood the ancient temple of Apollo.
From the old monastery complex only preserved the Byzantine Church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, some cells of SE. two-storey wing and a ground floor building in NW. side.
Initially there was the monastery of Petrakis, later he belonged to the Archdiocese of Athens and today belongs to the Diocese of Kaisariani, Byron and Hymettus. From 1971 a convent in which they reside 37 nuns. The old Byzantine Church of St. John the Baptist is a cruciform type with a dome. Is based on 4 columns, the 3 of which are marble with simple capitals while 4th replaced by pillar.
Above the entrance door of the Temple, a built embossed votive Cross survives (1769), with rosettes, bearing the inscription: «Although the uncle cross wherein teke pre Weather situated, by the grace of the physician Sechades buy evasion, anethike Monastery principle itself 1769».
On the same side is built a small part parapet, on which there is embossed Cross representation to an animal in motion. inside, not saved something from the old painting except for a small part in the Holy Intention. From the inscription we know that the renovated 1575. The image of St. John the Baptist (12th) not in the monastery. The temple is recent, marble, in simple.
The 1986 They became the Monastery extensive blasting operations and created space for more new buildings. At the same time the old cells were restored in the two-storey wing and the bank of the monks added.
Under rocks built a chapel, dedicated to the Annunciation, where the Mass performed today. Within the church there 37 positions for which the nuns chant daily, Very beautiful, with their melodic voices. years 1994-1995 An additional cell wing, library, the hospice, the reception area and shop.
The I. M. St. John the Baptist is celebrated on Karea 29 August, Beheading of the Decapitation of St. John the Baptist and 25 Of March, of the Annunciation. The nuns are very hospitable, will welcome you with water, Turkish delight, brown, nuts and quince who make themselves.
During the last fire broke out on Hymettus (2015) Monastery Karea threatened to burn. Many trees, the precinct, But they took fire, the monastery was saved as changed the direction of the wind. Instead the once dense pine forest of the mountain no longer exists.
In the shop you will find books, pictures, candles, ropes, calendars and other religious items.
The nuns hagiography images on demand, make pure soaps, salves, liqueurs and sweets such as quince, the quince found in the garden of the monastery.
useful information
INPUT TO THE SINGLE KAREA
ENTRY DOOR OF THE MONASTERY
- Monastery of St. John the Baptist Karea, wimaik.gr, open daily, hours : 9.00 a.m. – 12.00 m. (Summer time) and 4.00 pm. - up to sundown (Winter season) tel. : 210 7652746. The Matins starts at 6.00 a.m. (for believers) and the liturgy in 7.00 a.m. (weekdays) and 7.30 a.m. (weekends). The Vespers begins at 4.00 pm. (weekdays) and 5.00 pm. (weekends).
Most of the time, mainly in the afternoon, the entrance door of the monastery is closed for this should ring the bell. The nuns permit entry of women with pants.
When you exit you may have difficulty little more on your descent to the parking. It is possible to climb up to the main entrance with your car but the space is quite limited and on Sundays you will have trouble.
The car park has a fountain and some benches under trees. Here you can come and sit as you want, independently of the hours are open Moni.
ACCESS
The main road leading to the Monastery Karea is bidirectional with island and called St. John the Baptist. in 5or Karea attitude, where it crosses the road St. John the Baptist with the Patriots Greeks Street begins the road that leads to the monastery.
If the bus lines serving you do not have your own car are :
No 203: KAREAS - ACADEMY (CIRCULAR) - stop: 5or Karea (Street Greek Patriots)
No 212: F. Daphne-IMITTOS- VYRONAS-KAREAS - Attitude: 5or Karea (El street. patriots)
