Holy Monastery of Agia Paraskevi in Domavisti

From the 14th Century to a Modern Spiritual Revival

The Holy Monastery of Agia Paraskevi in Domavisti is one of the most historic and spiritually significant monasteries in the province of Voio and the Metropolis of Sisani and Siatista. It is located at the foothills of Mount Askio, at an altitude of 950 meters, offering a peaceful and blessed space for prayer and spiritual tranquility. The monastery's foundation dates back to the early 14th century, as evidenced by an inscription dedicating an icon from the year 1329, making it one of the oldest monastic sites in the region.

The present church of the monastery was built in the early 16th century, replacing an earlier one that had been destroyed. The church is adorned with remarkable frescoes, painted by iconographers from Lianotopi in the Grammos region in the early 17th century, which are considered masterpieces of ecclesiastical art. The wood-carved, gilded iconostasis, crafted by Epirus artisans, is another significant example of sacred craftsmanship and bears similarities to that of Agia Paraskevi in Siatista.

The monastery’s history has been marked by hardship and destruction. During the Ottoman occupation, it was looted and set on fire several times, and between 1800 and 1840, it suffered four major destructions. In 1875, a raid led by Semsis Bey of Neapoli resulted in the tragic death of the monastery’s monks. The greatest devastation occurred in 1944, when German occupation forces plundered the monastery’s precious relics—including an invaluable handwritten Gospel—and set fire to its buildings, sparing only the main church, which survived miraculously.

Despite these trials, the monastery was revived thanks to the efforts of the late Metropolitan Antonios and the support of benefactors. In 2001, the monastery was re-established, marking a new chapter for this sacred site. Today, the Holy Monastery of Agia Paraskevi in Domavisti stands as a living symbol of faith and local history, attracting pilgrims and visitors who seek to connect with the rich religious and cultural heritage of Macedonia. Its location, enduring legacy, and spiritual ambiance make it a place of peace and introspection, preserving the memory and tradition of the region.

Information

Holy Monastery of Agia Paraskevi in Domavisti, Askio, Kozani, 50003

Phone: +302465051224

Visiting Hours: Daily, morning and afternoon

Highlights

• The Monastery's Katholikon. A church dating from the early 1500s, rich in historical significance.

• Exceptional Frescoes. Painted by artists from Lianotopi in Grammos in the early 1600s, regarded as masterpieces of ecclesiastical painting.

• The Carved Iconostasis. Gilded and intricately decorated, created by artisans from Epirus, echoing the style of Agia Paraskevi in Siatista.

• The Monastery’s Natural Setting. Nestled at the base of Mount Askio, at 950 meters elevation, in a majestic mountainous landscape.

• The Restored Monastic Buildings. Following multiple devastations, the monastery has been rebuilt, retaining elements of its original architecture.

• Historic Inscriptions. Including the inscription from 1329, attesting to the monastery's great antiquity.

• Spiritual and Cultural Significance. A place of prayer, memory, and revival of the religious traditions of the region.