The Holy Monastery of the Theotokos Olympiotissa is the most renowned and oldest monastery in the region surrounding Mount Olympus. Built in a prominent location on the hill overlooking the city of Elassona, it has stood for centuries as both a symbol of the area and one of the most significant sacred pilgrimage sites in Thessaly.

    The history of the monastery dates back to the 13th century, according to old written records that attest to its existence and operation. Its Catholicon (main church) was constructed within the old castle. The monastery was historically a men’s monastery, patriarchal, and stavropegial (directly under the authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate).