Holy Monastery of Agios Athanasios in Zikovitsa
Among the most important post-Byzantine monasteries of the Kastanochoria region is the Holy Monastery of Agios Athanasios in Zikovista, a peaceful place with panoramic views that is well worth a visit. Located 24 km from Argos Orestiko, between the villages of Spilio, Agios Ilias, Damaskinia, and Kerasona, the monastery bears witness to centuries of history. According to Ottoman firmans, it was founded in 1629, while between 1872 and 1885 it also housed a school. During the Macedonian Struggle, it became a refuge and base for Greek guerrilla corps, a role that led to its destruction by komitadji forces on 18 March 1905. Despite the fire, the katholikon survived, preserving its remarkable frescoes. Since 2011, the monastery has once again flourished with the establishment of a community of nuns, who continue its spiritual tradition while operating workshops dedicated to icon painting and fresco art.
