Εκκλησίες - Μονές (5)
The historic monastery of Agios Simeon, “t’ Ai-Simioy" as the locals call it, is located at the foot of Arakynthos, approximately 8 km east of the town of Messolonghi. The
monastery was established in 1740 during the Ottoman rule, by the Abbot Archimandrite Tarasios Tsoumaris and is of great historical importance given that it served as the meeting point for those who fought during the heroic Sortie of Messolonghi in April 10th, 1826. In memory of the fallen fighters a large white cross was erected near the monastery.
A few kilometers outside of Messolongi, on the road to Etoliko one can see the church of Panagia of Finikia. The chapel, built in 1804, is an island within the lagoon waters.
The church stands proudly among the salt mines (Alykes) and perfectly integrates with the landscape, transforming it beyond a pilgrimage destination to a unique attraction that charms every visitor with its picturesque character.
Finikia was also the favorite destination of Lord Byron, he went there to relax, during his stay at Messolonghi.
Arakynthos mountain is famous for its dense vegetation and oak – chestnut forest. The south side of the mountain is an exception, as it has view to Etoliko lagoon. The rocks of the mountain are steep and sharp-edged. What impresses most however, is the numerous steep caves, which have not yet been investigated.
One of them is Agios Nikolaos o Spilaiotis or Kremastos. Agios Nikolaos Cave is located in a box canyon of West Arakynthos, near Ellinika village. One can reach it under great difficulty, since he must first walk northeast of Kefalovryso for about half an hour and then climb fifty meters. The Cave, has been an important ascetic center of the area during the Middle Ages, some of the iconographies are remarkable, and was founded by Nikandros.