If you have found a vacation rental in Kalamata and are looking for a truly unique souvenir, then you should head to the Kalograion Monastery. Founded in 1796, this female-only Greek Orthodox monastery is dedicated to Saints Constantine and Helen and is a fascinating institution. Located in the centre of Kalamata, close to the metropolitan church of Ypapanti and under the castle, it has been a local space for charity, a place of refuge during Ottoman occupation, a safe space during German and Italian occupation, and a shelter to those displaced during the Greek Civil War and after the devastating earthquake that took place in the area in 1986.
The complex of buildings that make up the monastery is mainly focused around a main, rectangular building that surrounds a central courtyard filled with orange trees and houses the nuns' living areas and a church. In addition to this, there is also an excellent religious library that boasts several rare manuscripts and a room that displays rare icons, sacred vessels, clergy robes, and the mortal relics of various saints.
However, beyond any other charms of the building or the rich history of the institution, the monastery is most famous for its silk production. Known the world over for the incredible quality of the award-winning products, the silk works of the nuns were in high demand and, sadly, the last nun who knew how to weave on the looms passed away some years ago. The skill was not taught and passed on in time and today you can visit the room where the nuns work to cultivate silk and the weaving room where you can see unfinished pieces on the looms. Despite this, silk products are still made, including hand-printed scarves, embroideries, small icons and more, which can be purchased from the monastery shop.
If you are intrigued by artisanal craftsmanship and the history of this fascinating religious institution in Greece, then plan a visit but be sure to avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, and sandals, if you are a man, and to cover your shoulders in church and wear skirts and dresses that come below the knee, if you are a woman.
ΙΕΡΑ ΜΟΝΗ ΑΓΙΩΝ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΕΛΕΝΗΣ ΚΑΛΟΓΡΑΙΩΝ ΚΑΛΑΜΑΤΑΣ
19, Patriarchou Prokopiou 11, Kalamata 241 00
+30 2721 022856
However, beyond any other charms of the building or the rich history of the institution, the monastery is most famous for its silk production. Known the world over for the incredible quality of the award-winning products, the silk works of the nuns were in high demand and, sadly, the last nun who knew how to weave on the looms passed away some years ago. The skill was not taught and passed on in time and today you can visit the room where the nuns work to cultivate silk and the weaving room where you can see unfinished pieces on the looms. Despite this, silk products are still made, including hand-printed scarves, embroideries, small icons and more, which can be purchased from the monastery shop.
If you are intrigued by artisanal craftsmanship and the history of this fascinating religious institution in Greece, then plan a visit but be sure to avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, and sandals, if you are a man, and to cover your shoulders in church and wear skirts and dresses that come below the knee, if you are a woman.
ΙΕΡΑ ΜΟΝΗ ΑΓΙΩΝ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΕΛΕΝΗΣ ΚΑΛΟΓΡΑΙΩΝ ΚΑΛΑΜΑΤΑΣ
19, Patriarchou Prokopiou 11, Kalamata 241 00
+30 2721 022856
