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This is a large monastery dating to the 14th century and dedicated to Demetrius the patron of Thessaloniki.
There’s a functional religious community here with regular services at the church. I attended the evening service which was enchanting with chanting, liturgy, prayer and a visit from a bishop or the like.
The church appears to built on the site of older caves with fresco art. The icons inside are lovely as is the cosy yet dignified atmosphere. Photos are not normally allowed inside but I was permitted to get a shot of the brown Madonna.
Notice also the Metamorphosis (Transfiguration) art at the outer gate, an illustration from the gospels with Jesus surrounded by Moses and Elijah. Three disciples, Peter, James, and John, look on at this visionary scene on the mountain. Demetrius is also pictured.
When I visited the church and gift store were open but the other buildings were closed. The gift shop has some nice hand-painted icons at reasonable prices.