Did we take a wrong turn somewhere?

No we didn’t take a wrong turn and end up on a Greek island we really are still in Arizona.   This is part of the Greek Orthodox Monastery near Florence. 

A friend told us it was an interesting place to visit, she was right, however, they do have a strict dress code.   Men are required to wear long sleeves and trousers.   Women are required to cover their arms, legs and head.  My skirt was deemed not long enough so I was loaned one, DB took one look, tried not to laugh, shook his head and asked where my donkey was!   Hmmmmm. 

The tour is self-guided and photographs are allowed of anything except the altars, monks and any guests. 

The first chapel as you walk through the gate.

The beautifully decorated inside, the altar is hidden from view behind the screen.

Beautiful walkways lead from one chapel to another. 

 

The only seats in the chapels line the walls and are for use by the monks, you are not allowed to sit on them.

The monastery was built from scratch over a 12 year period and has olive groves and citrus orchards and sells, among other things, home grown olives, homemade marmalade and delicious baklava.

It was an interesting and peaceful place to visit.

Have fun, we are!