Spiritual Journey: A Mini Travel Guide to the Monasteries of Central Macedonia

Spiritual Journey: A Mini Travel Guide to the Monasteries of Central Macedonia

Central Macedonia is one of the most significant spiritual destinations in Greece. For those planning a journey of faith and reflection, we have gathered all the essential information for the most important monasteries in the region.

1. Holy Hesychasterion of Saint John the Theologian (Souroti)

This is the resting place of Saint Paisios the Athonite and the relics of Saint Arsenios of Cappadocia.

How to get there: Located 28 km outside Thessaloniki. Take the Thessaloniki - Nea Moudania National Road and exit at Souroti.

Opening Hours:

Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00-13:00 & 16:00-18:00 (Winter) / 17:00-19:00 (Summer).

Saturday: 10:00-15:00.

Sunday: 11:00-13:00 & 16:00-18:00 (Winter) / 17:00-19:00 (Summer).

Note: The monastery is closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Telephone: +30 23960 41320.

Dress Code: Very strict. Women must wear a long skirt (no trousers), and men must wear long trousers.

2. Holy Monastery of Saint Dionysios of Olympus (Litochoro)

The monastery consists of the New Monastery (lower) and the Old Monastery (inside the gorge).

How to get there: From the Athens-Thessaloniki National Road, take the exit for Litochoro. The New Monastery is a few kilometers after the village on the way to Prionia, while the Old Monastery is 17 km away inside the Enipeas gorge.

Opening Hours: Daily 07:00-20:00 (for the New Monastery).

Telephone: +30 23520 81220.

3. Holy Monastery of Saint Anastasia the Pharmakolytria (Chalkidiki)

How to get there: Located near the borders of Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki, close to Vasilika. Follow the road towards Polygyros and you will find signs after Vasilika.

Opening Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset (approx. 07:30-18:30).

Telephone: +30 23960 22440.

4. Holy Monastery of Panagia Dovra (Veria)

The heart of the veneration of Saint Luke the Surgeon.

How to get there: Located just 5 km from the city of Veria. There is good signage from the city center towards the slopes of Mount Vermio.

Opening Hours: Daily 09:00-13:00 & 17:30-20:30 (afternoon hours vary by season).

Telephone: +30 23310 27599.

Note: Every Tuesday afternoon, a service and a supplication to Saint Luke are held.

5. Holy Monastery of the Honorable Forerunner (Serres)

One of the most beautiful Byzantine monuments in Macedonia.

How to get there: Located 12 km northeast of Serres, in a rugged ravine of Mount Menoikio.

Opening Hours: 08:30-13:30 & 16:30-19:30.

Telephone: +30 23210 74623.

Useful Tips for Pilgrims

Communication: It is always advisable to call before your visit, as hours may be modified during major fasting periods (such as Great Lent).

Dress Code: Modest attire is required in all monasteries. Many monasteries provide wraps or skirts at the entrance, but at Souroti, you must bring your own.

Monastic Crafts & Souvenirs: You will find authentic monastic products in the monastery shops. If you cannot visit in person, Athonian.gr brings this blessing to your door with selected handicrafts and religious items.