Greece - Monastery Agia Georgios Gremon, Zakynthos Island. I was there

The Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon (or Gremnon, or Vrahon) is located on the north western side of the island, just above Navagio Bay. In fact, few metres from this monastery is the spot that gives the best view down to Navagio Beach and the Ionian Sea. Founded in 1535, many renowned ecclesiastical men lived there, including Agios Gerasimos, the protector of Kefalonia, from 1549 till 1554 and another important religious figure, monk Pahomios Roussanos (1508-1553), originating from Zakynthos.

The katholikon (main church) of the monastery was decorated with wall paintings of Loukas Romanos in 1606, but unfortunately these paintings have not survived till today. Generally the monastery was largely destroyed by wars and pirates, and in fact the stone watch tower next to the katholikon was constructed in 1561 to protect the monastery from pirates. 

In the Medieval times, the library of the monastery was very famous, but unfortunately the manuscripts of monk Pahomios were later transported to Venice, where they are kept till today. Over the last years, restoration and electricity works were completed to the monastery, while the external space has been reformed for visitors. Today 2 monks live there.