Panagia Ikosifinissa Monastery

THE OLDEST MONASTERY IN GREECE

The Virgin Mary, Ikosifinissa, is located at the borders of the prefectures of Serres – Kavala (at an altitude of 753 meters). It is one of the largest pilgrimages of Macedonia and is the oldest active monastery in Greece and Europe.
During the Ottoman rule, the contribution of the Holy Monastery towards the preservation of Orthodoxy and Hellenism was invaluable. The practice of the monks in the wider area caused the rage of the Turks, who executed all the monks in 1507.

The Holy Monastery of Panagia Ikosifinissa celebrates on August 15th in memory of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, on 14 September in memory of the Holy Cross and on November 21 in memory of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary.

Kavala

The city of Kavala was built in the 7th century BC by Thassian colonists. It is one of the most beautiful cities of Macedonia, combining the urban character with the blue of the coasts, the imposing Mount Pangaion with the wet element of Nestos River. Initially its first name, was «Neapolis», it became an ally of Pericles' Athens and a seaport of Philippi, the most important center during the Macedonian era.

Cave Alistratis

Alistratis Cave is located 6 km southeast of the homonymous community, in the ``stone`` location. At a short distance there is the riverbed of the river Aggitis, which has eroded its limestone and as a result the canyon of Aggitis is formed.