The fire burning in Viotia (Boeotia), Central Greece, has reached the historic Hosios Loukas Monastery in Stiri and already burned one of the oldest buildings at the complex, including its roof, on Wednesday.

Visitors and monks at the 10th-century monastery and pilgrimage site on the mountain have been evacuated. The fire has already burnt the courtyard of the monastery and a large number of firefighters are trying to prevent it from spreading further into the monastery complex. Also present is Metropolitan Georgios of Thebes, Levadia and Avlida, who is helping in firefighting efforts. 

Along with the Monasteries of Daphni near Athens and Nea Moni on Chios island, Hosios Loukas is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
 

(Photo: ©  UNESCO/Christelle Alix)

(Story updated)