Men's Monastery ( Andromonastiro )

Highlights

The Katholikon (temple) of the monastery was built on a spring with potable water. This is also testified by the sculptures of the original marble temple.
The 3-storey tower was the sacred Bank of the Monastery and was enclosed by two machicolations, from which the monks poured hot liquids to ward off any attacks.

Just 5 kilometres from ancient Messini, built in a verdant ravine, dominates this impressive monastic complex, one of the best preserved in the whole of Greece, which is very important because of its special architecture.

It was founded in the late 12th century and, because it is built as a fortress, it contributed significantly to the revolution of 1821 where it suffered many damages from Ibrahim's troops.

Although the monastery is dedicated to the metamorphosis of the Savior, it took the name 'Antromonastiro ' ( Men's Monastery) to differ from the nearby Women's convent of Samarina.

Tradition, on the other hand, relates the history and name of the monastery to the emperor Andronikos II Paläologos, who built two monasteries in the birthplace of the second to honor Patriarch Athanasius I of Androussa.

Recently the last restoration work was completed and the monastery is now open to visitors.