About Metochi Study Centre

 

The University of Agder’s study centre in Greece is located in a monastery annex which forms part of the well-known Limonos Monastery, on the island of Lesbos in the Aegean Sea. As a monastery annex Metochi was founded in the 16th century, and it has been renovated for seminars and study purposes in recent times. The monastery and study centre is characterized by simplicity, good opportunities for studies and reflection, and a traditional Greek kitchen. Metochi has its “agora” – a small “amphitheatre” – for the good dialogue, a library for private studies, a lecture room for the good monologue, and a small courtyard and garden for thought and reflection.

Following the foundation of the study centre in 1993, the University of Agder has arranged a series of courses and seminars at Metochi every year. The study centre is run on a non-profit basis, and depends upon voluntary work and gifts to be able to undertake renovation projects. The season runs from late April to early October.

Limonos, the main monastery, is a cultural centre in the Northeast Aegean. It was founded early in the 16th century, and holds great treasures from the Byzantine period. The monastery is central in the Byzantine tradition, and it was also important in the Greek people’s fight for independence almost a century ago.

Lesbos is the third largest island in Greece. It is about 100 km long and 50 km wide, and has approximately 125.000 inhabitants. The surroundings are beautiful, with a diverse flora and fauna. The monastery is located in the countryside 4-5 km away from the sandy beaches of the bay of Kalloni.