The Monastery of Theotokas Themata (Our Lady of Themata) was built in 11th century. It is situated in a dense forest of evergreen oak trees on the slopes of Agia Dinati, near the village of Makritotika.
The Greek word 'themata' translatea to 'matters' and according to local tradition, anyone with problems that worried them would visit the monastery with its miraculous icon. They prayed to the Virgin Mary and asked her for solutions to these matters.
The whole monastery has been rebuilt since the 1953 earthquake and there are twice-yearly celebrations - Tuesday after Easter and on the 15th August (Dormition of Theotokos) when the local villages participate in the fiesta.
The church and monastery are in spacious grounds with wonderful panoramic views of Makriotika and beyond. The grounds have pic-nic tables set up under the trees for visitors' use and the monastery offers overnight stays in a couple of their bedrooms with simple accommodation. Reservations in advance are required.<
6 kms out of Aghia Efimia, take a sharp left turn uphill to the monastery which is sign-posted.
