Monastery of Hosios Loukas

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After visiting the Acropolis and the museums in Athens, our next destination was the Monastery of Hosios Loukas (C). It is about 180 km by car.
Getting the rental car was a major challenge. Our hotel (A) was located in the historic center of Athens. The roads are very narrow, drivers are not always well behaved, and it is easy to get stuck in traffic. The Kosmos car rental employee managed to get the car in front of our hotel. He offered to drive us to the drop-off point (B). This way I would know where to drop off the car, and it was easier to exit Athens to get on the main road. We followed his advice and he drove us to the drop-off point.

During the ride to the drop-off point I noticed the cigarette lighter receptable was not working. Since I would be driving to Delphi, Meteora and back to Athens using a navigation device a working cigarette lighter receptable was essential. At the drop-off point they found a replacement car. Only this car had no rear shelf so our suitcases could be clearly seen from outside. In the end they offered us an Opel Vectra with working cigarette lighter receptable and closed rear boot.

Looking for the right car meant we had a delay of 1.5 hours. This was important because we were told the monastery closed at 14 hours. We left at about 10 o’clock and we arrived at 12.50 at the monastery. We then found out that the monastery did not close at 14 hours…

Entrance

The monastery is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and it is one of the most important buildings on Middle Byzantine architecture and art. The interior is stunning.

Roof west entrance


Washing of the apostle's feet


Side entrance


Katholikon

Dome

 
Crypt


East side


West portal


Hosios Loukas