Hermitages of Pythio, Elassona

The area of Pythio has a past that disappears deep into time. On the hill of the Holy Apostles, ruins of the ancient city came to light—part of the renowned Perrhaebian Tripolitis together with Azoros and Doliche, with Pythio considered the most important of the three cities. In the Archaic and Classical periods, Poseidon—protector not only of the sea but also of inland waters—was worshipped here, as well as Pythian Apollo.

In Byzantine times, Pythio remained an important residential and religious center. To the later years of this era belong the two hermitages located a short distance from the village, at a site the locals call “Gates of Olympus,” at the foothills of the “mountain of the gods.” They were under the supervision of the historic Holy Trinity Monastery of Sparmos, Olympus, and the Tsibinos Monastery, and served as places of preparation for monks who later joined the monasteries of Olympus. Their significance was highlighted by the late archaeologist and Byzantinologist, Nikos Nikonanos.

The Large Hermitage (“Ascension of the Lord”)

Leaving the village heading northeast, after approximately 500 meters you will see a sign on the right for the hermitages. After about 1 km on a passable dirt road, you will find on your left the steps leading to the first hermitage, the larger of the two. Access to it is very easy.

It is a fairly spacious cave, measuring roughly 10×10 meters, with an outer recess that offers excellent natural protection. The monument was structured on two levels and divided into five distinct spaces. To reach the main chapel, the visitor climbs six steps and passes through an arched gateway. Only small fragments of frescoes survive, the most notable being the figures of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, dated to the 14th century.

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The Hermitage of the Holy Cross (“Holy Taxiarchs”)

A short distance away, slightly higher and further west, lies the most impressive of the hermitages. It is smaller than the first and more difficult to access. Locals know it as “of the Holy Taxiarchs,” but as revealed by a founder’s inscription from 1339, it is in fact dedicated to the Holy Cross. It is built inside a cave, on a narrow natural ledge of the rock, and consists of three parts: the small chapel, the narthex, and the ascetic cell.

In this small place of worship, frescoes of exceptional value are preserved. Despite centuries of wear and, unfortunately, significant vandalistic inscriptions left by visitors (which continue to this day), depictions of saints and decorative elements from the Palaiologan era remain visible.

In later periods—during the Ottoman rule and the German Occupation—the caves were used by the local inhabitants as hiding places. According to local legend, secret meetings of members of the Filiki Etaireia were held here.

*The hermitages are located 27 km from Elassona and 68 km from Larissa.