Today it is peaceful among running water, sycamores, pines and plane trees, but the 17th century Monastery of Saint Simeon played a crucial role in the Greek War of Independence, when 1,800 people from besieged Mesolongi sought refuge within the Monastery’s walls. There is a large white cross in the memory of the martyrs who didn’t make it in the Battle of Mesolongi. After being burnt down by the Ottomans, the monastery was rebuilt in the 1836 and has become noted for its celebrations, particularly the folk festival on Whit Monday and the feast of Ypapanti on February 2. Both the monastery’s construction and surroundings make any visit worthwhile.
