If you will find anything in abundance in the Cyclades and in general in the Aegean islands, these are definitely churches and monasteries that even touch the sea. Small monasteries in caves, on rocks and on beaches. Each one creates its own all-encompassing atmosphere and calms you down as soon as you visit it. Amorgos has one of the most impressive monasteries in the Cyclades. The reason for Panagia Hozoviotissa.
Amorgos and Panagia Hozoviotissa
The monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is built on the wild mountain peaks of Amorgos. It seems to be literally hanging next to the gap, having a unique view of the endless blue of the Aegean. The monastery was built in 1088 and renovated by the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komnenos.
The reason for the construction of the monastery was the finding of an icon of the Virgin Mary that arrived from Hozovo or Hozova in Palestine. It is said that due to the persecution of Christians in the 9th century, the icon moved and miraculously reached Amorgos.
Legend has it that the location was chosen by the Virgin Mary herself. Although the monastery underwent several changes over the centuries, and especially during the Venetian era (1296-1537), its special character did not change. In fact, it has been inhabited continuously for 900 years, without interruption even during the Turkish occupation.
The length of the monastery is estimated at 40 meters, while its width is only 5 meters. The 300 impressive stone steps lead you from the road to the entrance. If you tour the monastery you will notice that there are narrow stone stairs through which you can reach all 8 floors of the monastery, as well as all its wings.
The cycladic monastery today
Nowadays, ovens and kitchens do not work. The bank opens for the faithful on November 21 at the Entrances of the Virgin. In 1977, the Monastery was renovated. Then the three small cells were joined. Thus, visitors can wander around the relics of the Monastery and are given the opportunity to try the established treat by the monks with citrus and Turkish delight. If you are there, your soul will calm down and you will feel unprecedented emotions.
Tip: If you are engaged in hiking you can follow a special and all-encompassing trek through the old paths and the natural landscape of the island.
