Panagia Dovra Monastery

Located at the foothills of Mount Vermio, amidst dense vegetation and in a landscape of stunning natural beauty, the Panagia Dovra Monastery has been functioning since the 12th century, playing a significant role in the history of the region. Originally named "Monastery of Panagia Kokoumetriotissa," it later changed to "Dovra," taking the name of a nearby village ("Tovra" or "Dovra").

The monastery operated continuously from its foundation until 1822 when it was burned down by the Ottomans as a reprisal for hosting Greek revolutionaries planning to capture Veria, which is located 6 kilometers south of the monastery. It was reconstructed in 1842, and two years later, its current main church, dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos, was built. In 1995, it was restored, including the preservation and re-painting of the complex's murals. Today, it is considered one of the most beautiful monasteries in the region.

Within the monastery, there is an Educational Center of Byzantine Arts, an incense-making workshop, and a Treasury with significant artifacts such as the stole and belt of Saint John Chrysostom of Smyrna. It also houses the sacred relics of Saint Luke the Blessed Surgeon. The monastery celebrates on the Easter Friday, on August 15th (Dormition of the Theotokos), on May 29th, and on May 11th, the feast day of St. Luke's repose.