Monastery of Evangelistria & Saint George (Gerakas)

The Hidden Twin of the Myrtoan Sea: Where the Athonite Mystagogy Conceals a Second Church Within Its Dome

The Holy Monastery of Evangelistria and Saint George, Gerakas (also known as Ierakas Monastery)is one of the most unexpected, mysterious, and architecturally unique religious monuments in all of southeastern Laconia. It stands in isolation on the rugged "Pyla" peninsula, at a strategic location between the coastal village of Gerakas and the mountain village of Reichia in the Municipality of Monemvasia. The monastery’s most striking and unique feature is a remarkable architectural secret: it is a "two-story" sacred structure, in which a second, smaller church is entirely encased and concealed within the hollow dome of the main church, making a visit to the site a truly awe-inspiring experience—perched on the edge of a sheer cliff overlooking the vast blue expanse of the Myrtoan Sea.

• Architectural and Artistic Character: A brilliant and globally unique concept in Athonite church architecture. Founded in the early 19th century by the distinguished Epirote ascetic, physician, and botanist Saint Kyriakos Stournaras (the "Holy Teacher," who came from Mount Athos), the monastery stands out for its imposing, towering volume. The ground-floor *Katholikon* (main church) is built in the Athonite cross-in-square, triconch style and is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos. However, the true engineering marvel is revealed within: 17 steep stone steps carved into the wall lead the visitor high up into the interior space of the dome. There lies the fully functional, tiny church of Saint George complete with its own iconostasis, icon stands, and windows—a layout that is not betrayed by the exterior view from any angle.
• Suitable for: Travelers in search of the world's most unusual architectural secrets and authentic "hidden gems." Enthusiasts of history and religious worship, as well as those who love wild, seaside locations. The monastery preserves the memory of Saint Kyriakos, who used the site as a center of Greek education by secretly teaching the local Greek children. Furthermore, the site is linked to the miraculous healing of Dimitrios Moiras in the 1960s in a gesture of gratitude, he undertook a comprehensive restoration of the ruined complex, enabling the monastery to reopen its doors.
• Facilities: A serene, welcoming, and impeccably maintained site. The Evangelistria Monastery has operated as an active female cenobitic community since 1980. All the buildings surrounding the inner courtyard are stark white and set amidst beautiful gardens. The site features an interesting historical archive room to inform visitors, as well as a spacious courtyard. Due to the 17 steep, narrow steps required to ascend to the hidden Church of Saint George, this specific—and most impressive—part of the monument is not accessible to people with mobility impairments.
• Access: A beautiful, secluded route winding between the fields and the sea. It is located exactly 10 kilometers (about 15 minutes) from both the port of Gerakas and the village of Reichia. Access is by road from Gerakas; turn right onto the road towards Reichia, 2 km past Ai-Giannis. The provincial road transitions into a concrete track that cuts through the rural landscape and leads directly to the entrance, where a large, free parking area is available.