Within the picturesque village of Pyrgos outside of Kymi, the former mansion of Greek painter Sotiris Chrysanthopoulos has been converted into a gallery of his works and an opportunity to see what his life was like.
Dating back to 1393, this remarkable chapel houses a number of well-preserved paintings. It’s located in the town of Aliveri along the southern Euboean gulf and stands atop a hill in the centre of the city next to a cemetery.
Meaning “1000” this church is believed to be the 1000th of its kind built by the Byzantine Empress Theodora. It’s located near the village of Chiliadou just north of Kymi along central Evia’s Aegean coast.
One of Evia’s most picturesque churches lies just outside the village of Kambia at an altitude of 290 m. Virtually surrounded by foliage and reached by a wooden bridge; Agia Kyriaki seems taken out of a fairytale. A cave is found next to the church.
Just outside of the village of Politika along the northern Euboean coast is the women’s monastery of Panagia Perivleptou. Surrounded by foliage atop a picturesque hill, this 11th century church is now home to a handful of orthodox nuns. Its exterior consists of a single dome and ceramic tile roof, while its multi-colour marble floors are unique.
Evia’s second-oldest monastery can be found in the village of Oxylithos 7 klm. south of Kymi. Though the date of its foundation is unknown, the church is mentioned in archives dating back to the early 16th century AD. What is certain is that it had amassed a fortune in land stretching as far as Styra in southern Evia. Its monks also appear to have fought against the Turks during the revolution alongside the famous Evian general, N. Kriezotis. Today it is home to a handful of nuns.
The women’s monastery of Agios Nikolaos lies in the village of Ano Vatheia approximately 5 klm. west of Aliveri. Built on the side of Koutali Hill, the monastery sits at an altitude of 430 m. and is famed for its incredible views out over the south Euboean Gulf. Some claim it was built by monks who were being chased by Turkish forces and founded the church on atop the ruins of an earlier church. Even before that, it seems likely that a sanctuary of Asclepius stood on the site. Today the church has been converted into a women’s monastery.
Honouring Christ’s transfiguration, this lofty monastery is built at an altitude of 280 m. on the side of hill within remote surroundings just outside of Kymi. Dating back to the 15th century, the monastery is said to have been founded from monks from Agios Oros.
The picturesque Monastery of Ioannis Kalivitis is located roughly 5 klm. from the village of Psachna in the western section of central Evia. The church is famed not only for its beautiful location within the surrounding greenery, but also for the interesting story regarding the martyr it honours. According to tradition, the monastery was named after Ioannis Kalavitis, the son of wealthy parents in Constantinople. Born in 460 AD, the boy began reading and studying the New Testament from a young age, though his father tried to discourage it, preferring that his son pursue more of a traditional education.
Considered the protectress of Evia’s capital city Halkida, the church of Agia Paraskevi was first built during the 5th century AD. Despite its large size and historic importance, the church itself is quite modest and is divided into 3 spaces within its interior. A number of notable Byzantine and Venetian nobles were buried onsite, and a gravestone from the 14th century AD can still be seen today.