The Monastery of Saint Dionysios of Olympus is perhaps the most important monastery in the prefecture of Pieria and belongs to the Holy Metropolis of Kitros, Katerini and Platamon. It is located on Mount Olympus (18km far from Litochoro), at an altitude of 900 meters, in a location fortified by two streams.
The monastery was founded in the 16th century by Saint Dionysios of Olympus. After 1821 it was occupied by the Turkish army and it was burnt down and looted. In 1943 it was blown up by the Nazis because Greek rebels were hiding there. Until 1928 the monastery was Patriarchal and under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Throne. In 1928 it came under the jurisdiction of the New Lands.
Nowadays it is known for its spiritual and charitable activity, with all-day confessions and spiritual teachings every Sunday morning after the end of the Holy Mass, as well as discussions, conferences and overnight vigils. The monastery celebrates on January 23rd on St. Dionysius Memorial Day. Also on September 14th the celebration of the Cross takes place in the old monastery.
