Holy Monastery of the Archangels (Pammegiston Taxiarchon) in Grevena

The Reborn Monastery of the Archangels: History and Faith in Grevena

The Holy Monastery of the Archangels (Pammegiston Taxiarchon) in Grevena, also known as Moni Kouskou, is a historic and religious monument located west of the settlement of Taxiarchis, on the left bank of the Aliakmonas River, near the Egnatia Odos highway. Although the current monastery mainly dates to the 19th century, it was built on the site of an older monastic foundation, as evidenced by inscriptions and archival references. The complex is preserved in its entirety, including the monks’ cells, guest quarters (archontariki), kitchen, oven, auxiliary facilities, and bell tower. Its enclosure has a rectangular layout and a fortified character.

The katholikon (main church) of the monastery, built in 1815, is a three-aisled, domed basilica in the Athonite cross-in-square style. The church features stone-carved decorations at its entrances, and in the narthex, chains used in the past for the “healing” of the mentally ill are still preserved. The interior is fully adorned with frescoes painted in 1848 by the Bakolas family from Tsourchli, Grevena. The iconographic program includes scenes from the Old Testament, depictions of the torments of the damned, and portrayals of notable monastic saints such as Hosios Nikanor of the Monastery of Zavorda and Dionysios of Olympus. The carved wooden iconostasis from the 18th century, along with the despotic icons painted in 1856, adds significant artistic value to the interior.

The monastery had notable economic and spiritual activity, as documented in a ledger (katasticho) from 1834 that records transactions and offerings from local residents. It also maintained a library with manuscripts, including a copy of the Suda lexicon. According to tradition, the monastery was destroyed in 1828 but rebuilt in the following years, with major construction taking place between 1833 and 1834. The cells were constructed in 1933, while the bell tower was built in 1897 by craftsmen from the village of Kalloni.

Today, the Monastery of the Taxiarches is one of the best-preserved monastic complexes in the region, combining its historical significance with its spiritual heritage. It is a place of pilgrimage and cultural reference, continuing to inspire and enlighten its visitors.

Information

Holy Monastery of the Archangels, Grevena, 51030

Phones: 2462025403 (Ephorate of Antiquities of Grevena), 2462022404 (Holy Metropolis of Grevena)

Highlights

• Katholikon of the Monastery. Built in 1815 in the Athonite cross-in-square style. A three-aisled basilica with a dome and remarkable 1848 frescoes. The main entrance is decorated with stone reliefs of crosses, rosettes, and double-headed eagles. It features a carved and gilded 18th-century iconostasis with 19th-century icons.

• Bell Tower (1897). Built by craftsmen from the village of Kalloni, this tower is an impressive example of traditional stonework.

• Monastic Cells (1933): Two-story wings preserved, containing the archontariki, kitchen, oven, and auxiliary spaces.

• Well with Canopy: Located in the northeastern part of the courtyard, featuring a four-sided roof supported by four columns.

• Inscriptions and Ledgers: Stone inscriptions from 1833 and 1834 document the monastery’s history. The 1834 ledger, preserved in the nearby village, records the monastery’s finances and transactions.

• Healing Site – Narthex: Chains for restraining mentally ill individuals are preserved in the narthex, a testament to the monastery's former role as a healing center.

• Frescoes and Iconographic Program: Preserved wall paintings from 1848 by Nikolaos, Ioannis, and Vasileios Bakolas. Notable depictions include monastery founders, scenes of Hell, and the Taxiarches Mikhail and Gavriil. Impressive images of Apostles Petros and Pavlos holding models of churches.