Karaveli monastery lies on a strategically situated hill, at the east of Kardamyli plain. A gully separates it from the monastery of Faneromeni, which is within sight. The locale, prominent and naturally fortified, offers an unhindered view to the west, towards the Messenian gulf. According to tradition, a large ship (karavi in Greek) was laded every year with oil produced by the monastery, hence the name “Karaveli”. The monastic complex, now in ruins, has many defensive features. It comprises the katholikon, a roughly trapezoid building with a corner turret next to the complex’s main gate and a two-storey oblong building, with the oil mill at the ground floor.

Foundation remains of other buildings are also visible, including those of a square construction, possibly a tower. The katholikon, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary (Koimisi Theotokou) is a domed, single naved, barrel-barrel-vaulted basilica, with two construction phases. The first one should be dated to the second Venetocracy (1685-1715). The second one dates to 1808, according to a marble inscription at the south face. Worth noting is the tall cylindrical dome, with elaborate plastic decoration of stone reliefs in folk style.