Churches and Monasteries of Skopelos

The most famous church on the island, Panayitsa of Pyrgos, is situated on the edge of the port of Skopelos, sitting on top of a rock. It is a beautiful whitewashed church in the shape of a cross, with a stone roof, stone steeple and white stone dome.

Another equally famous church on the island is that of St. John which is located near the village of Glossa. Its reputation travelled throughout the world, due to the film "Mamma Mia". Built atop a cliff at a height of approximately 100 meters, the church offers breathtaking sea views. To reach the church one must climb about 106 steps that are carved into the rocky hillside but the view from the top justifies every step.

Travelers to Skopelos can find monasteries of great importance all over the island, most of which are dated before the Byzantine Era.

The first monastery one will encounter following the road leading to the monasteries, in the southwest part of Skopelos, is The Monastery of the Transfiguration, built between the late 15th and early 16th century.

Second, The Annunciation Monastery built in 1712, is located on the mountainside Palouki and its fortress – like appearance is associated with the pirate raids of the time.

The Monastery of Santa Barbara was built in 1648. It is surrounded by thick and tall stone fence reminiscent of the medieval fort. Its temple is the oldest one in Skopelos (15th century) and a real masterpiece of Byzantine woodcarving.

Other notable monasteries are The Monastery of Saint Riginos, the patron saint of Skopelos, which was built in 1728 and The Monastery of John the Baptist, which was built in the 18th century and is located on top of the mountain Palouki 300 m. of the monastery of St. Barbara.