The Holy Monastery of Panagia of Rovellista, also known as "the Lady of mountainous Arta," is one of the most important religious pilgrimages in the region of Arta. It is located on a wooded and isolated slope, near Ano Kalentini, approximately 30 kilometers east of the city of Arta, with access from a bypass on the Arta–Karditsa road.
The founding of the monastery is attributed to the 10th century. The Metropolitan of Arta Serafim (Xenopoulos) recorded that the monastery was built in the mid-10th century, destroyed in 1854 by Ottoman raids, and rebuilt in 1856 with the contribution of the faithful. It was deserted during the civil war, while in 1951 the hieromonk Mitrofanis Mitsilis began its restoration. In 1963 it was converted into a women's monastery.
The central element of the tradition is the miraculous icon of the Panagia Vrefokratousa (Virgin Mary Holding the Child), also known as "Moschovitissa," which is kept in the catholikon. The icon, with a silver triptych cover from 1802, is considered miraculous and has been linked to salvation from epidemics. According to tradition, in villages like Sellades, Kompoti, and Limini, deaths stopped immediately after the litanies.
During the Revolution of 1821, the monastery served as a base for fighters such as Georgios Karaiskakis, due to the steep location which offered safety.
Architecturally, the catholikon combines elements of traditional Epirus style and post-Byzantine church building. The interior and exterior are adorned with noteworthy frescoes. Despite the lack of documentation for the original architectural type, renovations aim to preserve the historical form. The monastery's surroundings, known as the "Garden of the Panagia," offer a magnificent view of the plain of Arta and create a sense of tranquility.
Today, the Holy Monastery of Panagia of Rovellista functions as a female coenobitic monastery with about 14 nuns under the abbess, subject to the Holy Metropolis of Arta. Beyond a place of worship, it constitutes a spiritual refuge, with vigils, supplications, and religious services. The icon of the Panagia is often transferred to villages for blessing, while the annual feast on September 8th gathers a crowd of faithful.
For the visitor, the route requires attention, especially in the last wooded section. However, during the feasts, the monastery comes alive with litanies and events, offering a unique experience. Its cultural value lies in its long history, its artistic heritage, and the living folk tradition.
