The Monastery of Panagia Eleftherotria

The Monastery of Panagia Eleftherotria is to be found 12 km from the capital of the island of Zakynthos. Its position gives the visitor a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The monastery was founded in 1962 by Archimandrite Chrysostomo Gkelbesi, who is currently the Spiritual Father of the Hermitage. 

However, the Iconostasis of the Church is much older (nearly 300 years older). It existed in the previous Church, which was on the same location but was destroyed in the great earthquake. This monastery has many unique relics, including relics from a number of babies killed by Herod in Jerusalem, stones from the Holy Land and part of the Holy Cross. The exterior of the monastery looks like an ancient castle, whist the colours red and white are to be found all around the buildings.