Kato Panagia Monastery
A 13th-century women's monastery at the foot of Peranthi, with frescoes and a view over the plain.
- Founded
- About 1250 (church 1250–1260)
- Founder
- Despot Michael II Komnenos Doukas
- Dedication
- Nativity of the Theotokos, 8 September
- Today
- Women's monastery
The Kato Panagia Monastery stands at the foot of Peranthi hill, south of Arta, overlooking the plain. The travel guide travel.gr describes it as a women's monastery with a garden, the “Garden of the Virgin”.
History
It was founded by Michael II Komnenos Doukas (1231–1268), Despot of Epirus, as atonement for his behaviour towards his wife Theodora, the saint and patron of Arta. The church was built around 1250–1260 and is dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos. The name “Kato Panagia” distinguishes it from the Parigoritissa. The monastery was damaged under Ottoman rule and some parts have been rebuilt in recent years.
Frescoes
The church has many frescoes of high artistic value, both inside and outside. The monastery celebrates on 8 September.
