Nestled on a pine-covered hillside near the village of Makrymalli, about 7 km northeast of Psachna and roughly 20 km from Chalkida, Makrymalli Monastery is one of central Evia’s most important religious sites. Officially known as the Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos, it sits at an elevation of around 285 metres on the lower slopes of the Dirfys mountain range, surrounded by olive groves, cypresses, and rugged hills.
Although the present complex is largely modern, the monastery’s history stretches back many centuries. It has been destroyed, rebuilt, looted, burned, and restored multiple times, yet remains an active spiritual centre and a popular pilgrimage destination. This guide covers its history, architecture, religious significance, and practical information for visitors.
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History of Makrymalli Monastery
The exact origins of the monastery are unknown because written records from its early centuries have not survived. According to local tradition, its founders were two shepherd brothers who lived nearby. One night they noticed a mysterious light shining from a rock across the valley. Investigating the site, they discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary. They brought it back to their huts, built a simple shrine, and began keeping a lamp burning before it.
The brothers eventually became monks and established a monastery around the 12th century. One explanation for the monastery’s unusual name claims that the brothers were known for their long hair, with makrymallis meaning “long-haired.” Another tradition attributes the name to an icon depicting the Virgin Mary with long hair. A third version suggests that an early abbot of the monastery carried the surname Makrymallis.
By the 17th century the monastery had become prosperous, possessing significant landholdings and receiving many donations. Records indicate that it housed dozens of monks, and by 1828 its community numbered around forty to fifty members.
The monastery also played a role during the Greek War of Independence. Its monks supported the revolutionary cause, leading Ottoman forces to plunder and burn the complex. The monastery later recovered, only to suffer further decline during the 19th century before being restored in the early 20th century under Abbot Ignatios Giannakopoulos.
Its darkest chapter came during the German occupation. On 23 January 1944, following clashes with resistance fighters in the area, German forces accused both the monastery and the nearby village of assisting partisans. The monastery was burned, its treasures were looted, and several people were executed. The complex seen today is the result of post-war reconstruction.
The monastery again found itself in the news during the devastating 2019 wildfire that swept through central Evia. Flames reached the surrounding area and forced an evacuation, but the monastery itself survived.
What to See
The monastery complex occupies a commanding position overlooking the surrounding countryside. Modern monastery buildings spread across the hillside among olive trees and tall cypresses, with the mountains of central Evia forming a dramatic backdrop.
The katholikon, or main church, stands at the heart of the complex. While much of the structure has been rebuilt, several important historical elements survive. Particularly notable are the frescoes preserved in the sanctuary apse, especially the depiction of the Virgin Platytera flanked by two angels.
The monastery also preserves a number of religious treasures, including icons from the 19th century iconostasis. Among its historic artefacts are a silver Gospel book dating to 1754, a Holy Chalice from 1796, and a censer dating to 1808.
Visitors with an interest in religious history may also appreciate the monastery’s library, which contains a substantial collection of theological and historical works.
Relics and Religious Significance
Makrymalli Monastery is an important pilgrimage destination due to the relics preserved within its walls.
Its most revered relic is the skull of Saint Parthenios, Bishop of Lampsacus. The saint is especially venerated by those suffering from cancer, and many pilgrims visit the monastery on his feast day, celebrated on 7 February.
The monastery also preserves relics associated with numerous other saints, including Saint Paraskevi, Saint Charalambos, Saint Panteleimon, Saints Cosmas and Damian, Saint Basil of Ancyra, Saint Nikitas, Saint Auxentios, Saint Straton, Saint Ignatios, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Riginos of Skopelos.
The monastery’s principal feast is the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on 15 August. Celebrations are also held during the feast of the Apodosis of the Dormition later in August.
The monastery’s main festivals take place on 23 August, during the Apodosis of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, and on 7 February, the feast day of Saint Parthenios. Both occasions attract pilgrims from across Evia and other parts of Greece, particularly the February celebration honouring Saint Parthenios, whose relics are preserved at the monastery.
How to Get
Makrymalli Monastery lies just northeast of Psachna in central Evia (📍map).
The easiest way to visit is by car. From Chalkida, the drive takes roughly 30 minutes via Psachna. The final approach follows local roads through the countryside and is straightforward to navigate.
Visitors exploring Mount Dirfys, Steni, or northern parts of central Evia can easily combine the monastery with a broader road trip through the region.
If you’re planning a road trip on Evia and haven’t got a car already, you can compare some of the best rental deals here.
Visiting Information
The monastery remains active and continues to function as a place of worship. Visitors should dress respectfully and remain mindful that this is primarily a place of worship rather than a tourist attraction.
Even for travellers with little interest in religious sites, the location itself is appealing. The combination of mountain scenery, olive groves, cypress trees, and the monastery’s hilltop setting makes it one of the more attractive historic stops in central Evia.
The monastery is generally open daily. Current opening hours are:
Winter: 08:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00
Summer: 08:00–13:00 and 17:00–19:00
As opening hours may occasionally change during religious celebrations or special events, it is worth confirming locally before making a dedicated trip.
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