Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior, Kymi: A Pilgrim's Guide

Dearest pilgrim, receive a most blessed and heartwarming welcome! I am truly honored to guide you to the revered sanctuary of the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior (Metamorphosis Sotiros), situated in a magnificent, elevated setting just north of Kymi, on the island of Evia (Euboea). This monastery is a fortified spiritual beacon, standing proudly 250 meters above sea level with commanding views of the Aegean Sea. It is a place steeped in history and devotion, founded by monks from Mount Athos, and continues to shine as a sanctuary of faith today, now cared for by a community of devoted nuns. May your visit to this luminous place bring you closer to the light of the Transfiguration.

Essential Information for Pilgrims

As you prepare to enter this sacred complex, your respectful adherence to the monastic traditions is a vital part of your pilgrimage.

Opening Hours & Quiet Hours

The Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration is an active women's monastery. Pilgrims are generally welcome throughout the day, though it is always best to visit during the main hours, usually from the morning until early afternoon. The monastery complex is often open from 9:30 AM until 3:00 PM in the summer months, and slightly shorter hours in winter (around 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM). The period after the midday service is often a quiet time reserved for the community’s private duties and rest.

Dress Code

A traditional and strict modest dress code is mandatory for all pilgrims, honoring the sanctity of the place. Shoulders, arms, and knees must be fully covered.

• For men: Long trousers and sleeved shirts are necessary. Shorts and sleeveless shirts are forbidden.

• For women: Long skirts or dresses and tops with sleeves are required. Trousers are typically not allowed. The community is known to be hospitable and may sometimes provide coverings at the entrance if necessary, but pilgrims should strive to arrive prepared.

Exact Location & How to Get There

The Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior is located approximately 4 kilometers north of Kymi, on the eastern coast of Evia island, 250 meters above sea level. Kymi is known as the "Balcony of the Aegean." To reach the monastery, you will first need to travel to Evia (via bridge or ferry) and then drive to Kymi. From Kymi, follow the marked road uphill leading north. The best way to reach the monastery is by rental car or taxi.

Parking Availability & Walking Distance

Ample parking availability is usually provided outside the main fortress walls. The monastery complex is large, but the walking distance from the parking area to the main entrance and church is short and easily manageable.

Whether a Permit is Required

A special entry permit is not required for general visitation.

Patron Saint & Spiritual Story

The monastery is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Savior (Metamorphosis Sotiros), commemorating the miraculous event on Mount Tabor where Christ's face shone like the sun and his clothing became dazzling white. The spiritual story here is one of light, revelation, and the manifestation of God's glory. Dedicating the monastery to the Transfiguration encourages the faithful to seek their own spiritual transformation.

Founding Date & Historical Significance

According to tradition, the monastery was founded by monks from Mount Athos in the 15th century, who sought refuge here from Turkish oppression. A surviving stamp from 1643, divided into four sections (common in Mount Athos), reinforces this view.

• Spiritual Center: In the 17th century, the monastery grew significantly and had great spiritual radiance, serving as the center of the Aegean monasteries, hosting the Commissioner of the Holy Monasteries.

• Resistance: The monastery was destroyed by Ottoman forces during the Greek War of Independence (1821–1823) but was restored in 1847 through local donations. It later served as a refuge and escape route for patriots during the German occupation (1941–1944), cementing its contribution to Greek national resistance. Since 1976, the monastery has been functioning as a beloved women's monastery.

Important Icons, Relics or Miraculous Items

The main church (Catholicon), although whitewashed from past disasters and repairs, houses a carved wooden temple and icons transferred from dissolved monasteries. Notably, the monastery preserves a gold-embroidered epitaph (Epitaphios) dating from 1635 and possesses reliquaries with Holy Relics of various saints and martyrs, including Saint Tryphon, Saint Nicholas, Saint Charalambos, and Saint Paraskevi.

Number of Monks/Nuns Currently Living There

Since 1976, this has been an active women's monastery. It is currently cared for by a small but dedicated sisterhood of nuns who maintain the full liturgical life and the spiritual vitality of the complex.

Level of Hospitality & Whether Conversations are Allowed

The level of hospitality is warm and generous. The nuns welcome pilgrims, often offering a traditional reception (kerasma) of Turkish delight or coffee. Conversations are allowed when addressed to a nun for a blessing, spiritual advice, or specific inquiries. All conversations should be conducted quietly, briefly, and with profound respect for the nuns' commitment to contemplation.

Guesthouse Availability & Reservation Needs

Guesthouse availability for foreign pilgrims is generally limited, but the monastery complex historically includes guest quarters (archontariki). Any request for accommodation must be made through mandatory reservations well in advance by contacting the monastery directly.

Participation in Liturgies or Services

Pilgrims are warmly welcomed to attend the monastery's services. The Divine Liturgy is typically celebrated on Sunday mornings and major feast days.

Days and Hours of Services

The schedule of Days and hours of services is posted locally; please confirm these times upon arrival. Attending Vespers in the evening or the Sunday Divine Liturgy offers a profound spiritual experience.

Entrance Fee or Recommended Donation

There is no mandatory entrance fee to enter the monastery. A voluntary recommended donation is customary and greatly appreciated, helping the sisterhood with the maintenance of the large complex.

Photography Rules

Photography is strictly forbidden inside the main church (Catholicon) and inside the nuns' private monastic quarters. Respectful exterior photos of the fortress-like architecture, the beautiful courtyards, and the commanding views of the Aegean Sea are permitted.

Monastery Shop & Products

The monastery usually maintains a small shop. Here, you can find traditional monastic products such as small icons of the Transfiguration, incense, candles, and perhaps items created by the sisterhood, such as handiwork or simple foodstuffs.

Total Time Needed for a Complete Visit

Allow approximately one hour to one and a quarter hours for a complete, reverent visit. This provides sufficient time to venerate the Holy Relics and icons, reflect in the church, and appreciate the architecture and the spectacular views.

Nearby Chapels, Paths, Viewpoints or Landmarks

The monastery itself is a powerful viewpoint.

• Chapel of Saint Ignatius: The monastery grounds include a chapel dedicated to Saint Ignatius on the northeast corner.

• Kymi: The nearby town of Kymi, with its picturesque port, is worth exploring.

• Aegean View: The monastery's elevated position offers one of the best viewpoints in the region, looking out over the Aegean Sea.

Behaviour Rules for Visitors

Pilgrims must strictly adhere to the dress code, maintain silence, avoid loud conversation, silence mobile phones, and respect the privacy of the sisterhood. Always remember that you are a guest in a home of prayer.

Feast Day and What Happens During the Celebration

The major Feast Day of the monastery is the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ (Metamorphosis Sotiros), celebrated annually on August 6th.

• Celebration: This is a major spiritual festival in the region. On the eve (August 5th), a solemn Great Vespers is held. On the morning of August 6th, a magnificent Divine Liturgy is celebrated. A key tradition of this feast is the blessing and distribution of grapes to the faithful, symbolizing the first fruits and the transformation of creation in Christ. The monastery is thronged with pilgrims, creating a powerful atmosphere of joy and profound faith.

May the light of the Transfiguration illumine your spiritual path.