The Monastery of Themata in Kefalonia, Ionian: Located on the slopes of Agia Dinati Mountain, the Monastery of Panagia Themata is one of the oldest monuments of Kefalonia, dating back to 1096.
There are many assumptions in how the monastery got its name. Some people believe that there was an old settlement named Themata in the region that gave its name to the monastery. Other believe that this monastery was the seat of a bishop in the Byzantine times when Kefalonia was a thema (Byzantine administrative unit).
The monastery is located about 9 km from Agia Efimia, high in the mountains surrounded by a large pine forest. Actually, it is one of the best trekking paths along the mountain of Agia Dinati, offering an amazing view to the east shores of Kefalonia and Ithaca. The Monastery of Panagia Themata celebrates twice a year, on August 15th and the first Tuesday after Easter. In fact, this Tuesday, there is a large celebration with a litany of the holy icon of Panagia, dancing of local groups and a panigiri in the pine forest.
