Monasteries to Visit in Amorgos, Greece
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The island of Amorgos will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Times have not touched the island giving it a true historical feel. The island, which is part of the Cyclades group, is shaped like a seahorse. Amorgos is one of the most beautiful islands, so it’s no surprise that it’s been the location of a movie! “The Big Blue,” a movie from 1988 was set there.
Aside from the lovely beaches, amazing landscapes and views, and caves that provoke curiosity, there are a number of monasteries that are worth a visit on the island of Amorgos.
The Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa
Build into the side of a cliff above the beach of Agia Anna, the Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is one of the most breathtaking historical and religious places of the Aegean. The monastery was built during the 11th century. If you don’t mind climbing the 1,000 stairs to get there, you are in for a real treat. The unique architecture of the building is something to admire, but so is the view! The monastery is 300 meters above sea level. The reason for this is because construction originally began near the ocean where the icon of Virgin Mary was found. But every morning, the workers came back and their work had been undone by mother nature. One day, a worker found his tool bag hanging on a nail on a cliff above. This was taken as a sign that it should be where the monastery was to be built.
Monastery of Agios Georgios Valsamitis
Located 3 km from Chora, this beautiful monastery is surrounded by vegetation. It is one of the first monasteries on the island to have been built in the traditional Byzantine style. The monastery was built on the site of an ancient temple that was dedicated to the god Apollo. The monastery is three-aisled and was hagiographed during different time periods. Today, the murals from the 18th century can still be seen. The monastery is connected to an old ceremony of hydro divination. Amorgos’ only nun resides at the monastery. Sister Irini actually began as a tourist coming to the island decades ago. After her husband passed away she chose this new path for her life.
Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos
This early Byzantine church is thought to have been built between the 7th and 9th century on the site of an ancient temple. The church is dedicated to John the Evangelist. The Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos is a three-aisled basilica built with limestone. The church is just one hour’s walk from Langada in the northern part of Amorgos.
The Monastery of Kyra Eleousa
The Monastery of Kyra Eleousa is the oldest church on the island, having been built during Byzantine times. It is located near the square in Chora.The church features some interesting icons of the Cretan School. One of the most notable is the icon of Panagia Glikofilousa.
There are a number of monasteries and churches in Amorgos, Greece ready to be explored.
Categorized in: About Amorgos, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
