Some 17km southeast of Ioannina, clifftop Moni Tsoukas overlooks the Arahthos Gorge. Its name derives from the Slavonic chouka (peak). The views of gorge, river and mountains are stunning. Byzantine Emperor Isaakios Angelos built this walled monastery in 1190. The church has a sumptuous interior and impressive art (most important, the Panagia icon , venerated on 8 September).
This working monastery is often encircled with thin, stringy candles – on feast days, the whole church gets cocooned by these testaments to individual wishes and prayers.
From Ioannina, drive south through Elliniko and up to the parking (20 to 30 minutes total). A taxi from Ioannina costs €30.
