GREECE PELOPONNESE ACHAIA MEGA SPILEO

Driving from the coast through the Vuraikos gorge high up into the Achaean mountains, there are spectacular views of the landscape with the Corinthian Gulf behind.

The large monastery of Mega Spileo ("large cave") appears quite modern, but was founded already in the 4th or 8th century. Three great fires - in 1400, 1640 and 1934 - destroyed the monastery that was then rebuilt. There is a cave church (not visited) with a miraculous icon, that makes the monastery a number 1 place of pilgrimage. - And not to forget: On December 8th, 1943, members of the German army threw down 25 monks, workers and visitors to the Monastery from the rocks to their death before continuing their massacre in Kalavryta.