Description

The Cross of Agios Kosmas of Aetolia is a small but significant pilgrimage site in Ano Milia, one of the historic mountain settlements of Pieria.

The site is connected with the passage of Saint Kosmas of Aetolia through Ano Milia between 1765 and 1770. According to local tradition, during his stay at the historic tower of the Lazei family, Saint Kosmas placed an iron cross in the fork of a small pine tree.

The cross remains in the tree and has become a visible reminder of the saint's passage through the settlement. According to local tradition, the pine tree has remained remarkably unchanged through the years and survived fires that affected the surrounding area.

Ano Milia is a historic settlement in the Pieria mountains, surrounded by forests of pine, fir and beech. The settlement was first inhabited in the 17th century and has experienced several important moments in the history of Pieria.

Following the Battle of Milia on April 2, 1822, the settlement was destroyed and later rebuilt. It continued as a summer settlement until December 12, 1943, when it was burned during the German occupation.

The centre of Ano Milia is marked by the Holy Church of Agia Paraskevi, while near the settlement visitors can also find the remains of the historic tower associated with the Lazei family, known in the region for its connection with the klepht and armatole tradition.

The pilgrimage to the Cross of Agios Kosmas is a simple experience in nature rather than a large religious complex. The route involves a short and easy walk through the forest, making it suitable for families and visitors who want to combine a spiritual stop with a peaceful walk in the mountains of Pieria.

Fresh water is available in the area, adding to the simple character of the experience.

For visitors exploring Ano Milia, the site offers an opportunity to connect local religious tradition, the history of the settlement and the natural landscape of the Pieria mountains.

📍 Location: Ano Milia, Pieria, Greece
✝️ Type: Religious / pilgrimage site
🌲 Setting: Pine, fir and beech forest
🥾 Experience: Short and easy forest walk
👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly: Suitable for families with children
💧 Fresh water: Available
🏔️ Region: Pieria Mountains

 

The Cross of Agios Kosmas of Aetolia is a small but significant pilgrimage site in Ano Milia, one of the historic mountain settlements of Pieria.

The site is connected with the passage of Saint Kosmas of Aetolia through Ano Milia between 1765 and 1770. According to local tradition, during his stay at the historic tower of the Lazei family, Saint Kosmas placed an iron cross in the fork of a small pine tree.

The cross remains in the tree and has become a visible reminder of the saint's passage through the settlement. According to local tradition, the pine tree has remained remarkably unchanged through the years and survived fires that affected the surrounding area.

Ano Milia is a historic settlement in the Pieria mountains, surrounded by forests of pine, fir and beech. The settlement was first inhabited in the 17th century and has experienced several important moments in the history of Pieria.

Following the Battle of Milia on April 2, 1822, the settlement was destroyed and later rebuilt. It continued as a summer settlement until December 12, 1943, when it was burned during the German occupation.

The centre of Ano Milia is marked by the Holy Church of Agia Paraskevi, while near the settlement visitors can also find the remains of the historic tower associated with the Lazei family, known in the region for its connection with the klepht and armatole tradition.

The pilgrimage to the Cross of Agios Kosmas is a simple experience in nature rather than a large religious complex. The route involves a short and easy walk through the forest, making it suitable for families and visitors who want to combine a spiritual stop with a peaceful walk in the mountains of Pieria.

Fresh water is available in the area, adding to the simple character of the experience.

For visitors exploring Ano Milia, the site offers an opportunity to connect local religious tradition, the history of the settlement and the natural landscape of the Pieria mountains.

📍 Location: Ano Milia, Pieria, Greece
✝️ Type: Religious / pilgrimage site
🌲 Setting: Pine, fir and beech forest
🥾 Experience: Short and easy forest walk
👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly: Suitable for families with children
💧 Fresh water: Available
🏔️ Region: Pieria Mountains

FAQ

What is the Cross of Agios Kosmas of Aetolia in Ano Milia?

It is an iron cross associated with the passage of Saint Kosmas of Aetolia through Ano Milia. According to local tradition, the saint placed the cross in the fork of a small pine tree during his stay in the area.

When did Saint Kosmas of Aetolia visit Ano Milia?

According to the local tradition associated with the site, Saint Kosmas of Aetolia passed through Ano Milia between 1765 and 1770.

Where did Saint Kosmas stay in Ano Milia?

According to the local tradition, Saint Kosmas was hosted at the historic tower of the Lazei family during his passage through Ano Milia.

Where is the Cross of Agios Kosmas located?

The cross is located in the forested area around Ano Milia in the Pieria mountains, near the historic settlement.

What is special about the pine tree and the cross?

According to local tradition, the pine tree has remained remarkably unchanged since the cross was placed there and has survived fires that affected the surrounding area.

Is the Cross of Agios Kosmas a pilgrimage site?

Yes. The cross is regarded as a place of religious significance connected with the passage of Saint Kosmas of Aetolia through Ano Milia.

Who was Saint Kosmas of Aetolia?

Saint Kosmas of Aetolia was an important Greek Orthodox missionary and preacher who travelled extensively through Greece during the 18th century.

Is the walk to the Cross of Agios Kosmas difficult?

The experience involves a short and easy walk through the forest and is suitable for visitors looking for a gentle outdoor experience.

Is the pilgrimage suitable for families with children?

Yes. The short distance and easy forest walk make the experience suitable for families with children.

Is fresh water available near the site?

Yes. Fresh water is available in the area.

What is Ano Milia known for?

Ano Milia is a historic mountain settlement surrounded by pine, fir and beech forests. Its history includes the Battle of Milia in 1822, the Lazei family and the passage of Saint Kosmas of Aetolia.

When was Ano Milia first inhabited?

According to the local historical account, Ano Milia was first inhabited in the 17th century.

What happened to Ano Milia in 1822?

Following the Battle of Milia on April 2, 1822, the settlement was destroyed and later rebuilt.

What happened to Ano Milia during World War II?

The settlement continued to operate as a summer settlement until December 12, 1943, when it was burned during the German occupation.

What else can I see in Ano Milia?

Visitors can explore the Holy Church of Agia Paraskevi in the centre of the settlement and the remains of the historic tower associated with the Lazei family.

Who were the Lazei family?

The Lazei family was a historic family associated with the klepht and armatole tradition of the region. The remains of their historic tower can still be found near Ano Milia.

Is the Cross of Agios Kosmas suitable for a day trip?

Yes. The short forest walk can be combined with a visit to Ano Milia, the local church, the historic remains of the Lazei tower and other natural attractions in the Pieria mountains.

What should I wear for the walk?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Although the route is easy and short, it takes place in a natural forest environment.

Is there an entrance fee?

No admission fee is mentioned for this outdoor pilgrimage site.

Are there opening hours?

There are no regular opening hours for the outdoor pilgrimage site. Visitors should plan their visit during daylight and respect the religious character of the place.

What is the Cross of Agios Kosmas of Aetolia in Ano Milia?

It is an iron cross associated with the passage of Saint Kosmas of Aetolia through Ano Milia. According to local tradition, the saint placed the cross in the fork of a small pine tree during his stay in the area.

When did Saint Kosmas of Aetolia visit Ano Milia?

According to the local tradition associated with the site, Saint Kosmas of Aetolia passed through Ano Milia between 1765 and 1770.

Where did Saint Kosmas stay in Ano Milia?

According to the local tradition, Saint Kosmas was hosted at the historic tower of the Lazei family during his passage through Ano Milia.

Where is the Cross of Agios Kosmas located?

The cross is located in the forested area around Ano Milia in the Pieria mountains, near the historic settlement.

What is special about the pine tree and the cross?

According to local tradition, the pine tree has remained remarkably unchanged since the cross was placed there and has survived fires that affected the surrounding area.

Is the Cross of Agios Kosmas a pilgrimage site?

Yes. The cross is regarded as a place of religious significance connected with the passage of Saint Kosmas of Aetolia through Ano Milia.

Who was Saint Kosmas of Aetolia?

Saint Kosmas of Aetolia was an important Greek Orthodox missionary and preacher who travelled extensively through Greece during the 18th century.

Is the walk to the Cross of Agios Kosmas difficult?

The experience involves a short and easy walk through the forest and is suitable for visitors looking for a gentle outdoor experience.

Is the pilgrimage suitable for families with children?

Yes. The short distance and easy forest walk make the experience suitable for families with children.

Is fresh water available near the site?

Yes. Fresh water is available in the area.

What is Ano Milia known for?

Ano Milia is a historic mountain settlement surrounded by pine, fir and beech forests. Its history includes the Battle of Milia in 1822, the Lazei family and the passage of Saint Kosmas of Aetolia.

When was Ano Milia first inhabited?

According to the local historical account, Ano Milia was first inhabited in the 17th century.

What happened to Ano Milia in 1822?

Following the Battle of Milia on April 2, 1822, the settlement was destroyed and later rebuilt.

What happened to Ano Milia during World War II?

The settlement continued to operate as a summer settlement until December 12, 1943, when it was burned during the German occupation.

What else can I see in Ano Milia?

Visitors can explore the Holy Church of Agia Paraskevi in the centre of the settlement and the remains of the historic tower associated with the Lazei family.

Who were the Lazei family?

The Lazei family was a historic family associated with the klepht and armatole tradition of the region. The remains of their historic tower can still be found near Ano Milia.

Is the Cross of Agios Kosmas suitable for a day trip?

Yes. The short forest walk can be combined with a visit to Ano Milia, the local church, the historic remains of the Lazei tower and other natural attractions in the Pieria mountains.

What should I wear for the walk?

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Although the route is easy and short, it takes place in a natural forest environment.

Is there an entrance fee?

No admission fee is mentioned for this outdoor pilgrimage site.

Are there opening hours?

There are no regular opening hours for the outdoor pilgrimage site. Visitors should plan their visit during daylight and respect the religious character of the place.

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  • 26/09/2026 00:05 local time

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