In a deep ravine of Mount Menoiki, at a distance of about 12 kilometers from the city of Serres, the Holy Monastery of Timiou Prodromos is built, which due to its centuries-old tradition is one of the most important and historical monastic centers of Macedonia.

Its foundation dates back to 1270, when the hieromonk Ioannikios from Serres settled in the area, together with his orphaned nephew Joachim, renovating the dilapidated church that existed here and organizing the first monastic community. In 1290 Ioannikios was elected bishop of Ezevon and when he died, in 1300, he was buried in the courtyard of the monastery. He was succeeded by his nephew Joachim, then bishop of Zikhon, who renovated and expanded the monastery and returned to it shortly before he died, in 1333, taking the monastic name John.

During the period of the Turkish occupation, the monastery maintained its privileges and in the 19th century a Greek and priestly school operated here. In 1913, as well as during the two world wars, it suffered serious damage and looting by the Bulgarians, especially its valuable archive and rich library.