Agia Theodora, Vastas
Agia Theodora
Agia Theodora
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
117 reviews
Excellent
107
Very good
9
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1
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0
backtoGreece
St. Augustine, FL170 contributions
The Orthodox Church is rich in tradition and faith. Agia Theodora Church is yet another example the Mystery and holiness that can only be found in the true Faith. This fascinating church, with trees growing out of the roof but NO roots, is out of the way in southwest Peloponnese, but worth a pilgrimage if in the region.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lizzy
Windsor and Maidenhead, UK890 contributions
Couples
We visited on a Thursday during Covid-19
Although one bus was full of Greek folks, no tourists to be seen
Read the legend and believe... Never have I witnessed anything like it before
It is hidden away in the mountains, so, please use a Sat Nav or GPS as you can easily miss the turns... The rocks fall onto the road so he careful
A MUST SEE
#BLESSINGS
Although one bus was full of Greek folks, no tourists to be seen
Read the legend and believe... Never have I witnessed anything like it before
It is hidden away in the mountains, so, please use a Sat Nav or GPS as you can easily miss the turns... The rocks fall onto the road so he careful
A MUST SEE
#BLESSINGS
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kas_mtl
Montreal, Canada11 contributions
Although the road to get there is not for the faint of heart, this awe-inspiring site is worth it. Take some time to research its history and enjoy the peaceful energy of the place while you're there.
Written September 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GrandTour37740147706
Tempe, AZ5 contributions
When traveling in Greece a while back, I had been told by a friend that I should visit this little hidden spot of a perpetual miracle. Our hotel was in Athens but we hired a driver for the day to take us to see the church of Agia Theadora in Megalopolis that has 24 full grown trees on top of this small church. The creek that flows beneath the church is part of the miracle and adds to this peacefull gem. Learning of the Saints' story and seeing these wonders first hand is nothing short of amazing.
Written June 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rigiblick2
Zug, Switzerland21 contributions
Couples
We went to see the chapel on the way from Nafplio to Navarino Beach and decided to have a break somewhere in-between. I’m glad we did, took nice pictures and enjoyed lovely views from the mountains. We ended up walking 180m down a foot path along the meandering river to see a mill and went to the adjacent family run restaurant. The water we were given tasted heavenly, as if from an energetic and divine source. Lovely place.
Back to the car we continued the road to get down the other side of the mountain but realised far too late that we had chosen the wrong option. There were not enough meeting points for cars and not all the roads were well maintained. Scary curves in an area scarcely inhabited and it took ages to get all the way down. Next time we would choose to take the same road back to Megalopoli instead and better trust our navigation systems.
Back to the car we continued the road to get down the other side of the mountain but realised far too late that we had chosen the wrong option. There were not enough meeting points for cars and not all the roads were well maintained. Scary curves in an area scarcely inhabited and it took ages to get all the way down. Next time we would choose to take the same road back to Megalopoli instead and better trust our navigation systems.
Written May 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bella342017
Belleville, NJ62 contributions
Couples
It was not an easy trip to get there. We had to take a bus from Athens to Megalopoli and then make a deal with a local cab driver to bring us to the church and back as there were no local buses going there. The road was very narrow and curvy. It was a 40 minute drive from Megalopoli to the location. It was January and we were lucky to be the only tourists that afternoon, so we had the pleasure to experience this spiritual and beautiful place alone. I’m a religious person, and as soon as we got to the church, I was overwhelmed with emotions, and tears poured down my face. It is truly inexplicable. At the entrance of the church, there is an icon of Saint Theodora. The church itself is very small and when you get inside, you immediately see two big icons; on the left there is an icon of Saint Theodora and on the right there is an icon of Jesus Christ. There are also a few small icons inside. On the walls, you would see would see the religious paintings or what is left of them. After making such a long journey, you would feel that it was really worth it. Anyone would also truly appreciate the archaeological value of the structure and what surrounds it. Right next to the church, there is a river with the cleanest and clearest water ever; quiet mountains and forest. We were able to meet a few people there who were very gracious, friendly and hospitable.
Written January 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lynnh311
Halifax, UK353 contributions
Couples
This is just beautiful and amazing that the little church is still standing with all the trees, and the little stream is just lovely. We got lost trying to get there, we knew where we wanted to be but couldn't find the right road, but got there in the end and went to the first taverna that we came across. They didnt have any English menus so we had to go into the kitchen and point to chicken done in a tomato sauce and chips which were very good. If we had gone down the steps to the mill by the stream we would have found another taverna. It was a very good day.
Written February 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Petros
Limassol City, Cyprus305 contributions
From the road Megalopolis towards Kalamata, a picturesque small road of approx 20km bring you to the place. Agia Theodora is a small stone church of 12th century with 17 big trees…grow on its roof! Strange enough there are no roots inside the church!
To explain the miracle a research project launched in 1996 by the University of Patras. Summarising the findings the scientists wrote:
“It was proved that the roots follow the gaps existing inside the side stonewall creating repulsion stresses between the stones and thus they reach the ground. This leads to the creation of a net of roots that reinforces the building from a static point of view opposing the roof load but also destroying the stonewalls. It was also proved that the south wall is almost intact while there seems to be a particular void in the north wall”
Worth a visit since the feeling from the photos is far from the feeling you have soon you see the church
To explain the miracle a research project launched in 1996 by the University of Patras. Summarising the findings the scientists wrote:
“It was proved that the roots follow the gaps existing inside the side stonewall creating repulsion stresses between the stones and thus they reach the ground. This leads to the creation of a net of roots that reinforces the building from a static point of view opposing the roof load but also destroying the stonewalls. It was also proved that the south wall is almost intact while there seems to be a particular void in the north wall”
Worth a visit since the feeling from the photos is far from the feeling you have soon you see the church
Written August 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
skonix
Central Greece, Greece35 contributions
Friends
A beautiful chapel with an old tree merged with the structure itself. A very interesting site and a nice tavern near-by to have lunch.
Written May 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
authenticityseeker1
Cyprus49 contributions
Family
Heard about this place from family and friends and were eager to visit though it added an extra hour to our long driving. The road to and from the place is winding and can cause stomach upset so be prepared. You can even smell all the car brakes at the parking lot. When you get there you realize it was all worth it. There are options to have a picnic or eat at a restaurant.For orthodox Christians this is a must see.
Written September 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hera500
Wellington9 contributions
Is this a day trip from Athens ???
MadSnail_Travel
Madrid, Spain347 contributions
Mmm well, you may be able to do it, but is quite a ride at least 3 hrs, so, the journey is perfect as a stop if you are planing on driving trough the Peloponese.
Early depart from Athens see the church eat at o kipos tis agias across from the church and then head somewhere else, maybe Sparta or Kalamata to do the night.
Hope this helps
Frequently Asked Questions about Agia Theodora
- We recommend booking Agia Theodora tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Agia Theodora tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Agia Theodora:
- (0.10 mi) Fteroto Podilato
- (1.41 mi) Hotel Isareiko Spiti
- (1.56 mi) Agía Theodóra Arkadía
- (5.28 mi) Abeliona Retreat
- (5.83 mi) Rizes Houses
- Restaurants near Agia Theodora:
- (1.11 mi) Neromylos tou Nikola
- (1.01 mi) O Kipos tis Agias
- (8.72 mi) Arktos
- (9.24 mi) En Ripesi
- (1.73 mi) Taverna Stou Korona
- Attractions near Agia Theodora:
- (4.35 mi) Ben Olive Mill
- (6.41 mi) Temple of Apollo Epikourios
- (9.32 mi) Neda Waterfalls
- (8.73 mi) Karytaina Castle
- (9.15 mi) Papakia Farm