Vlochos Monastery – Holy Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God

The Holy Dormition Monastery is built on the hill of Vlochos, at an altitude of 700m, 15km from Agrinio and 8km from Kainourgio, in a place loaded with historical references, thanks to the fortress of Thestia, situated right above it.

Built in the 13th century and re-founded in the 16th century, this Eastern Orthodox monastery, which comes under the Holy Metropolis of Aetolia and Acarnania, celebrates the feast of the Dormition on August 23.

Its layout follows the monastery standards, having as its main architectural references the temple, the buildings of the enclosure (cells) and the free buildings, while chapels are also housed in the area.

The miraculous icon of Panagia Vlochaitissa, also known as Panagia the Beautiful, is kept in the monastery and attracts the attention of the faithful. The icon, estimated to be 500 years old, depicts the Virgin Mary enthroned, holding Jesus in her arms, while two angels place a precious crown on her head.