Metochi Monastery, Thermaikos Riviera

At “Kritziana” in Epanomi, a region between Epanomi and Nea Irakleia is the Metochi of Agia Anastasia, one of the few surviving monuments in the Medieval Kritziana settlement.

It has been constructed in a fortification method upon a position that can survey the entire surrounding region while remaining concealed from the sea, because pirate raids were frequent in the region during the period (1530) when it was constructed. The building complex, of which sections have survived in a good condition, is comprised of the central tower house, the church, cells, oven, kitchen, barn and two defensive towers.

The church that existed in the precinct, a small one-roomed basilica, was demolished in 1965 from the foundation together with the top floor of the tower, during attempts to build a new church. Salvage works were carried out by the archaeological department in 1976 and in 1986-87.

After touring Metochi, visitors can take a rest under the shade of the huge plane tree and admire a monument of nature that is estimate to be one thousand years old.

Source: http://visit-thermaikos.com/item/metochi/?lang=en