The steep mountain opposite to Skopelos Town, Palouki, has three of Skopelos' most interesting monasteries. The one which is visible from the waterfront is called Evangelismos and was built in 1712 on the site of another monastery. It commemorates the Annunciation and has a Panayea (festival) on March 25th. It boasts a beautiful altar screen and wonderful views of the village and harbour. You can get there by foot or by taxi, but as with all the monasteries, go in the morning, up until 13:00, or the evening from 17:00 as it is closed mid day.
Further up the hillside, at the top of a ravine amid cypresses, is Metamorphosis monastery, the Monastery of the Transfiguration, which is one of the oldest monasteries on the island, dating back to the 16th century. It belongs to Mount Athos and is occupied by one monk in the summer months. It is surrounded by a clutch of pines and has a lovely small chapel standing in a flowered courtyard, within which is the obligatory beautiful iconostasis, old vestments, rare books and holy relics. It is opened on its feast day, on the 6th of August, during which one of the biggest festivals of the island takes place.
The third and largest monastery, Prodromou, is close to the peak of Palouki. This convent is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and was built during the 18th century, on the top of the hill, visible from the Monastery of Metamorphosis. It was renovated by the monk Filaretos and has a beautiful iconostasis. It is also the custodian of many documents dating back to the Turkish occupation and fine icons dating from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The monastery was originally male, but in the 1920’s was taken over by women. It is now inhabited by a few nuns and only opened during its feast day.