Centuries ago, Christian monks built monasteries in secluded places, in order to be protected by invaders and bandits.
On islands, monasteries had the additional threat of pirates, so they had to be adequately fortified. The ones that were best protected survived for centuries, and now stand proud and almost inaccessible as pieces of evidence to Orthodox Christian faith and piety.
Today, many monasteries are still operating and are visited by innumerous pilgrims who come to pray, to admire the beautiful, sturdy buildings, and to meet the monks and contemplate their ascetic life.
Patmos, also called the island of the apocalypse, is the holiest island of the Aegean Sea. It is a significant Orthodox Christian pilgrimage site. Apparently in the Cave of the Apocalypse St John, the Theologian wrote the Book of Revelations. The fortress-like 14th-century monastery, which is dedicated to the saint, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in 1999.
The Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, in Amorgos, seems as if it hangs from the steep rock above Agia Anna beach, and has been built during 1888.
The Monastery of Taxisarchis at Seriphos is built in the northern part of the island. The Monastery is dedicated to the patron saints of the island the Archangels Gabriel and Michael. It was probably built 1512, however, it is certain that it was rebuilt in 1659 after being destroyed. Its architectural style is unique but was unfortunately looted several times during the Venetian occupation and it was also plundered by pirates during the same period.
Panagia Chrysoskaliotissa Monastery in Chania is one of the most popular monasteries in Crete. The church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The exact date of the monastery's founding is unknown, however, it is mentioned in the Venetian census of 1637 as Panagia Gonoskalitissa. Its architecture is exclusive and one can admire the legendary icon of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary which has been painted 1000 years ago.
The date of construction of the Zoodochon Pigis Monastery, in Andros, is unknown. During the Byzantine period, it was a renowned school and was converted into a monastery in the 8th century by Empress Theodora. It still has icons from the 14th and 16th centuries in a famous museum.
On islands, monasteries had the additional threat of pirates, so they had to be adequately fortified. The ones that were best protected survived for centuries, and now stand proud and almost inaccessible as pieces of evidence to Orthodox Christian faith and piety.
Today, many monasteries are still operating and are visited by innumerous pilgrims who come to pray, to admire the beautiful, sturdy buildings, and to meet the monks and contemplate their ascetic life.
Patmos, also called the island of the apocalypse, is the holiest island of the Aegean Sea. It is a significant Orthodox Christian pilgrimage site. Apparently in the Cave of the Apocalypse St John, the Theologian wrote the Book of Revelations. The fortress-like 14th-century monastery, which is dedicated to the saint, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in 1999.
The Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa, in Amorgos, seems as if it hangs from the steep rock above Agia Anna beach, and has been built during 1888.
The Monastery of Taxisarchis at Seriphos is built in the northern part of the island. The Monastery is dedicated to the patron saints of the island the Archangels Gabriel and Michael. It was probably built 1512, however, it is certain that it was rebuilt in 1659 after being destroyed. Its architectural style is unique but was unfortunately looted several times during the Venetian occupation and it was also plundered by pirates during the same period.
Panagia Chrysoskaliotissa Monastery in Chania is one of the most popular monasteries in Crete. The church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The exact date of the monastery's founding is unknown, however, it is mentioned in the Venetian census of 1637 as Panagia Gonoskalitissa. Its architecture is exclusive and one can admire the legendary icon of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary which has been painted 1000 years ago.
The date of construction of the Zoodochon Pigis Monastery, in Andros, is unknown. During the Byzantine period, it was a renowned school and was converted into a monastery in the 8th century by Empress Theodora. It still has icons from the 14th and 16th centuries in a famous museum.
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