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A Golden Byzantine Treasure Greece’s Hosios Loukas Monastery Minuteman Militia
Hosios Loukas ( Greek: Ὅσιος Λουκᾶς) is a historic walled monastery situated near the town of Distomo, in Boeotia, Greece. The monastery of Osios Loukas, situated in a picturesque valley teemed with olive trees. Byzantine monasteries are built in sites characterized by amazing natural beauty, always in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Nestled in the mountains of Boeotia, a few miles from Delphi, the Monastery of Hosios Loukas ("Saint Luke" in English, also spelled Ossios Loukas or Osios Loukas) ranks very high on the list of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece! Follow the guide! 💡 Insider Tips 💡 Are you on the hunt for accommodations in Greece? Hosios Loukas is a breath-taking Byzantine monastery in a picturesque valley full of olive and almond trees near the town of Distomo. Hosios Loukas Monastery meaning "Esteemed Saint Luke" was not built in honor of Luke the Evangelist, but was established by the Greek monk Loukas. He was buried in the crypt of the monastery when he died in AD 953.
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A Golden Byzantine Treasure Greece’s Hosios Loukas Monastery
The katholikon of the monastery of Hosios Loukas in Phokis is the best preserved smaller centralized churches became common in the period known as the Middle Byzantine era. The late-11th-century monastic church at Daphni, near Athens, is similar to Hosios Loukas in plan, but its mosaics survive in a more fragmentary state. Osios Loukas monastery, is a historic monument that flourishes before a valley of olive and almond trees. What you need to know about Osios Loukas is that it is a monastery that is over 100 years old. The monastery complex of Hosios Loukas and particularly its namesake Katholikon (main church), preserves its initial 11th-century form intact. This includes architectural and decorative elements, namely the mosaics, frescoes, architectural sculptures, marble revetment and pavements. The monastery of Hosiοs Loukas is considered to be one of the largest and most significant monuments of the Middle-Byzantine Period. It is situated near ancient Steirida in a beautiful and unique landscape. The first monastic community was founded by the popular local hermit Hosios (i.e. the Blessed) Loukas himself, who settled there in 946.
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Church of the Holy Luke At Monastery Of Hosios Loukas In Greece Photograph by Global Light
The city of Constantinople, capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire since its foundation by Constantine in 330 C.E., was roiled by the Iconoclastic Controversy in the 8th and 9th centuries. Emperors, bishops, and many others debated whether images, or "icons," of God and the saints were holy or heretical. The monastery of Hosios Loukas, located in central Greece, is probably the oldest of the three churches.
The church complex of St. Loukas - Hosios Loukas - in Phokis is the largest and also the best preserved 11 th -century monastery complex in Greece and a monument on the UNESCO Worldwide Heritage List. It lies on the slopes of Mount Helikon, opposite Parnassos. The Monastery of Osios Loukas in Distomo, Arachova: The Monastery of Osios Loukas is an 11th-century monastery located in the area of Distomo, about 30 km from Arachova. This monastery is the epitome of the Byzantine architecture while it is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
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Byzantine Monastery of Hosios Loukas Onparnassos
Founded in the mid-10th century by the hermit, Osios Loukas (the Venerable Luke) of Steiris, the monastery is Greece's largest and best preserved monument from the Middle Byzantine period (843-1204 AD). The roof and much of the walls are covered with wall paintings, dated to the first half of the 11th century. The monastery was founded by the hermit Loucas Stereiotis, who lived in the area from 945 A.D. until the day of his death, in 953 A.D. The church of the Theotocos was built while Loucas was alive.