Greece - Mavrommati, Voulcanou Monastery

The old monastery of Voulcanou - most probably built in the beginning of the 8th century – was located om the summit of mountain Ithomi, near amcient Messene. However, the location of the old monastery was somewhat inaccessible and unprotected against the elements, which made living conditions particularly difficult. In 1625 it was abandoned and a new one, further to the south, was set to be built by the monks.

The main church of the new monastery was built in 1701 and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The church is a Byzantine domed cruciform that houses the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary Voulkaniotissa. Relics of many saints are also kept in the new monastery, while there is also a notable library with books both old and new.

Voulcanou Monastery - restored in 1967 - still operates nowadays as a male convent.