Monastery of Valetsiko (Agios Dimitrios) | Tsaritsani

The Monastery of Agios Dimitrios “Valetsiko” of Tsaritsani, built on a steep slope covered with wild vegetation at an altitude of 800 m, a few kilometers from Tsaritsani, is one of the most important spiritual and historical centers of the region. Its foundation dates back to byzantine times, with tradition characterizing it as a “thousand-year-old monastery.” Its katholikon, built in the 14th century by the Serbian despot Symeon Uresis, preserves important frescoes and the miraculous icon of Agios Dimitrios. Throughout history, the monastery has been a refuge for fighters, a place of resistance and spiritual revival, hosting personalities such as Agios Kosmas of Aetolia. It played an important role in the Macedonian Struggle and the National Resistance, and is visually and operationally linked to other monasteries in the area. Despite the destruction of the 20th century, it was renovated and repopulated in 2015, continuing its rich tradition as a living monument of faith and history.