Oblou Monastery
Oblou Monastery, also known as Moni Oblou, is an ancient Orthodox monastery in Achaia, Greece. It sits on the mountain once called Oblos, near Patras. The monastery was founded in 1189 and is dedicated to the Presentation of the Theotokos. Its main church (the katholikon) honors the Theotokos, and there is also an inner chapel for Saint Charalambos. The complex covers about 1,800 square meters.
Throughout its history, Oblou Monastery played a role in many important events. It was damaged or destroyed by several conquerors, including Venetians, Turks, and Germans. During Ottoman times it was an important center for monks and took part in Greece’s liberation struggles. In 1770 Albanian forces burned the monastery and nearby churches during a revolt. Some documents mention looting and the monks being required to show respect to the pasha Mehmet. The monastery’s metochi in Patras was burned and rebuilt in 1790.
At the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821, the monastery served as a supply center for Patras. Rebels gathered at Oblos in March 1821, and after April Ottoman forces arrived and the siege of Patras was lifted. By late May the defense around Oblos was strengthened and repelled attacks.
In 1581 Oblou became a Stavropigial monastery, meaning it was directly under the Patriarch. In 1896 it incorporated the Monastery of Agios Konstantinos.
As of the 2011 census, six monks live at the monastery.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:43 (CET).