Just outside Ritini, set on a rock with views of Mount Olympus, stands one of the most peaceful and historic places in Pieria: the Holy Monastery of Agios Georgios (St George).
At a glance
| Distance from Elation Rooms | about 15 km (20 minutes) |
| Location | just outside Ritini, on a rock |
| Access | easy by car |
| Visitor entry | from sunrise to sunset |
| View | Mount Olympus |
| Main church | single-nave, timber-roofed basilica from the 15th century |
| Frescoes | including one dated 1494, among the oldest in Pieria |
| Feast day | 23 April, St George’s Day (if it falls before Easter, on Easter Monday) |
| For children | swings to play on |
History on the walls
The monastery’s main church is a single-nave, timber-roofed basilica from the 15th century and preserves notable frescoes. One of them is dated 1494, which places it among the oldest frescoes in Pieria. The monastery is active, and a nun lives there.
Above the entrance, under the wooden porch, a fresco shows St George on horseback slaying the dragon, in front of the walls of a city.
Inside the church, frescoes cover the walls, and they are worth taking your time to see.
The feast of St George
Every year, on St George’s Day, 23 April, the people of Ritini celebrate at the monastery. When 23 April falls before Easter, the feast is held on Easter Monday. If you are in the area on these days, it is a chance to experience local tradition together with the people of the village.
Ritini, your host’s village
Ilias, the host of Elation Rooms, grew up in Ritini, a village just 5 km from Elatochori, and has known the Pierian Mountains since he was a child. He is also a photographer: the photos in this article are his own. Ask him about the monastery and the area. Read more on the Meet your host page.
Useful information for your visit
- Access: easy by car
- Opening hours: the gate opens to visitors at sunrise and closes at sunset. In winter it gets dark early, so go in the morning or at midday
- With children: there are swings for children to play on
- Respect the place: it is an active monastery and a place of worship. Please dress appropriately and respect the quiet
- Combine your visit with a stop on your way home, as we suggest in our weekend itinerary
See all the attractions in the area.
