The monasteries and churches in Zagori follow their own architecture and is built with materials of the site, ie stone and wood. These buildings take us back in time, since chronologically older than the common houses or mansions found in villages. A characteristic trait of the temples is the large outdoor shed with arches, which was a sort of vestibule protect believers from the winter weather. In many churches, monasteries, the door is too low, construction often found in the area in order to prevent the profane invaders from entering the sacred space riding the horse, as they used to.

All churches are decorated with beautiful paintings, illustrations and woodcuts in which specialized mainly painters and craftsmen from Kapesobo. The Kapesovo artists-painters of the 18th and 19th century, were returning Zagoria and hagiographies churches and monasteries or painted interior walls in houses. A total of 26 churches and many houses to decorate them. Kapesovo constituted a "School of Fine Arts" era.

In each village or hamlet, even in remote slopes or forests, you will find many churches or chapels and several active or abandoned monasteries, all of which deserve your attention.

We give you some information on a few of these monuments orthodox culture:

• The Holy Annunciation Monastery in Ano Pedina
• The Monastery of Agia Paraskevi Monodéndrion
• The Monastery of St. John Rogovou Tsepelovo
• The Monastery Spileotissa Aristi
• The Monastery of Prophet Elias in Vitsa
• The Church of Saint Vlassis in Papigo
• The Church of St. Nicholas in Vitsa
• The Church of St. Nicholas in Tsepelovo
• The Holy Trinity Church in Negades
• The Church of the Dormition in Vitsa
• The Church of the Archangels in Kato Pedina
• The Church of the Archangels in Small Papigo

We recommend, before the visit, to know their history and treasures, in order to understand their cultural value.

The Holy Annunciation Monastery in Ano Pedina

This monastery is located at the entrance of the village of Ano Pedina. The church of the monastery was built in the late 18th century and painted a few years later, in the early 19th century. Many images as the Pantocrator, the Virgin Odigitrias the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, and woodwork are of this era. Important relics of the temple include the temple, the throne, the pulpit, a gospel with silver lining and two silver reliquaries. The monastery is surrounded by tall protective walls.

The Monastery of Agia Paraskevi Monodéndrion

This monastery is located about 800 meters from the central square of Monodendri, built in one of the most impressive landscapes of the region to the brink of the ravine of Vikos. The church of the monastery was built in the 15th century by the prince Michael the voivode Theriano, while the paintings were in the 15th, 18th and 19th century. The image of Ag. Paraskevi church in there, is 17th century. Within the precincts of the monastery, carved a wide path up the cliff ravine, staggering walkers and after passing by a small wooden bridge and a stone wall with door leading to shallow caves and hermitages ruins belonging to the first monks of the 13th century. All structures of the monastery and the hermitages, mentioning secret fortified positions were intended to hide from invaders and resistance to attacks. The entire monastery is maintained in very good condition and receives many visitors daily, either because of its easy access from Monodéndrion, either because of the impressive views of Vikos Gorge offered, either because of the unique path carved into the rock.

The Monastery of St. John Rogovou Tsepelovo

This monastery is located about two kilometers before Tsepelovo and is dedicated to the birth of St. John the Baptist. Built originally in the 11th century, during the Byzantine era, but after the total destruction was built back in the 18th century. Considered one of the great monasteries of our country, which had large movable and immovable property and includes a vast area of thousands of acres, with many buildings and crops. The preserved wall paintings and woodcarvings of the church were gradually during the 18th and 19th century and are truly impressive. The image of St. John the Baptist is considered miraculous and for this reason the monastery receives thousands of pilgrims every year. The entire monastery complex has been declared a historical monument in 1964 and is one of the main examples of monastic architecture. On June 24 is celebrated in the area of the monastery.

The Monastery Spileotissa Aristi

This small monastery is located near the bridge Papigo, between Arísti and Papigo, built beside the river bank, within the rock and buried in the woods, among tall riverine trees. Built in the 17th century and is dedicated to the Assumption. Originally it was a rich monastery until the 19th century the property was expropriated by the conquerors followed by looting and the burning of. Because today the monastery is not served by monks, is a moist and shady environment and has not been given proper attention, it is in good condition and maintenance.

The Monastery of Prophet Elias in Vitsa

The monastery was built in the 17th century in place of a small church of the Transfiguration and a few decades later renovated and expanded. Although old was a large and important monastery, the years of slavery served as a secret school, today is not in good condition.

The Church of Saint Vlassis in Papigo

The Church of Saint Vlassis built in the 19th century, the site of an older church dating from the 10th century. From this old church preserved a piece of carved iconostasis. The present church is located in the center of the village and offers protection to a large shed that has and the cool shade of the plane trees in the yard. In the courtyard, a few meters away, lies the impressive and towering belfry. The church is dedicated to Saint Blaise, Agios Dimitrios and the Trinity.

The Church of St. Nicholas in Vitsa

The Church of St. Nicholas was built in the 17th century and has many well-preserved paintings.

The Church of St. Nicholas in Tsepelovo

The Church of St. Nicholas was built in the 18th century at a rate of three-aisled basilica with a dome and is a classic example of Zagori church. It has excellent paintings and wood carvings from the time of its construction, but also by subsequent renovations, which are one of the best examples Kapesovitikis technique. With the passage of time and the operational use of the church, many of these works of art Orthodox altered so in 1992, with private funding was maintenance and restoration, meant that we can admire today.

The Holy Trinity Church in Negades

The Church of the Holy Trinity is a large church built in the 18th century. It features a large shed, towering steeple, excellent paintings and wood carvings, rare photographs and gilded pulpit.

The Church of the Dormition in Vitsa

The Church of the Dormition, built during the 16th century and originally served as a monastery. Since then renovated several times and now serves as a parish church of Vitsas.

The Church of the Archangels in Kato Pedina

The Church of the Archangels was built in the 17th century and decorated nearly a century later by the famous painter Kapesovo Anastasio. Located just outside Kato Pedina, just beside the main road. It is a small, well-preserved church that goes beyond the usual style of the area. The yard is always clean, enclosed by a low stone fence and is covered with grass and trees are the perfect resting point for travelers.

The Church of the Archangels in Small Papigo

The Church of the Archangels dominates the central square of Short Papigo beside the old plane tree, and has been declared a protected monument by the Ministry of Culture. Built in the 18th century, the position existed another church or monastery. It is a unique image with a small bell tower a few meters away, and a part of being obscured by the tree.

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