Ayiou Stefanou

Frommer's Review

Founded in the 14th century, Ayiou Stefanou, now a nunnery, is almost on the outskirts of Kalambaka. A bridge from the main road makes it easy to get here. The nuns usually make you feel glad that you've come and sometimes sell very reasonably priced embroideries.

Ayiou Stefanou was badly damaged in both World War II and the Civil War that followed. Many priceless frescoes were defaced and others were totally destroyed, but the monastery's most famous relic was saved: the head of St. Charalambos, whose powers include warding off illness. There's also a small museum here, with ecclesiastical robes and paraphernalia. Recently, the nuns have been restoring sections of the monastery that had been allowed to decline. Donations are welcome.

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