The Monastery of Panagia Botsiotissa or Megalochari is located in the mountainous zone of Arta, in the region of Ano Radovizio, a monument that combines religious faith, local history, and architectural value. The monastery is dedicated to the Nativity of the Theotokos, and the name "Botsiotissa" comes from the old settlement of Botsi. In 1954, the settlement was renamed Megalochari, in remembrance of the Panagia (Virgin Mary) honored in the area, with the result that both names prevail.
The history of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Botsiotissa is connected to the tradition of the Byzantine period, although written sources are limited. The current building dates back to the 17th century. The main church was built in the middle of the century, while its interior frescoes are placed at the end of it. Unfortunately, the wear of time, soot from candles, and humidity have significantly altered the painted decoration, but even today one can discern their simple yet devout aesthetic.
The Monastery of Panagia Botsiotissa also served as a point of reference for local history. During the Revolution of Radovizio in 1854, which became known as the "Revolution of Botsi," the monastery functioned as a gathering center for the fighters. On January 15th of that year, approximately 450 men signed a revolutionary declaration inside the monastery, confirming its role as a place of hope and national consciousness. This historical dimension adds particular symbolism to the monument.
Architecturally, the Monastery of Panagia Botsiotissa is a cross-vaulted church, with a cross-shaped floor plan and a dome. Its dome vault has a cubic shape, a peculiarity that differentiates it from the usual hemispherical examples of other churches. The entire structure is simple, without unnecessary decorations, an element that testifies to its adaptation to the conditions of mountainous Epirus. The surviving frescoes, despite their wear, offer the visitor an image of the post-Byzantine art of the 17th century.
The significance of the monastery is not only religious but also social. For the residents of the surrounding villages, the Monastery of Panagia Botsiotissa constituted a center of spiritual unity, tradition, and local identity. Every year, on September 7th and 8th, the annual feast is held for the Nativity of the Theotokos, which attracts a crowd of faithful and visitors, bringing the monument to life and highlighting its timeless value.
For the traveler who wishes to know Arta and its mountainous areas, the Monastery of Panagia Botsiotissa is a destination that combines pilgrimage, historical knowledge, and natural beauty. Access to the monastery is by road from the village of Megalochari towards Potistika. The road is asphalted in parts and dirt in others, which offers the visitor the feeling of an authentic mountainous route in Epirus.
The Monastery of Panagia Botsiotissa constitutes an integral part of the cultural heritage of Arta. Its architectural peculiarity, the 17th-century frescoes, its connection to the Revolution of 1854, and the lively religious tradition of the annual feast transform it into a place that every traveler should visit.
