Holy Monastery of the Theotokos of Kallipetra

The Holy Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos of Kallipetra stands in the Aliakmonas valley between Pieria and Vermio, reached by asphalt road from the village of Rachia (Rachi), roughly 10 km from Veria. Its name comes from a striking rock mass—Kallipetra, the “beautiful stone.” It is a men’s coenobitic monastery of the Holy Metropolis of Veria, Naoussa and Kampania.

Written references go back to about 1100. Together with neighbouring houses it belonged to the ancient Skete of Veria—once called a “little Mount Athos.” Saints linked with the site include Gregory Palamas, Dionysios of Olympus and Kosmas Aitolos. The community suffered repeated destruction (including 1822 and the Macedonian Struggle) and was revived in recent decades. The katholikon feast is the Nativity of the Theotokos (8 September).

In Veria town the monastery keeps a metochion (dependency) of Kallipetra on Platanon Street—useful for visitors who cannot reach the valley site. Overnight stays for a few pilgrims may be possible by prior arrangement. Modest dress and quiet respect for the monastic schedule are expected.