Theoktistis monastery is located in the northern interior of the island, in a pine forest near the village of Pigi.No one knows exactly when the monastery was built, but it was operating as far back as the year 1500, when it was recorded that as many as 100 monks lived here.The main temple is designed in a barrel-vaulted style and contains several murals. Unfortunately, no buildings are open while we’re here.
The last inhabitants left the monastery in 1982. Today, it is cared for by residents of the surrounding villages.
In addition to the main temple, the monastery consists of fifteen cells, plus various other structures and spaces.
There are dozens of types of flowers at the monastery, including common marigolds.Our favorite was this glowing African Daisy with an icy indigo core.Because most people gather wild herbs in Ikaria, it is rare to see this familiar version of rosemary.Up the hill from the main temple is the Chapel of Theokespasti, which is built into a cave underneath a boulder – a pirate-era building technique.“Theokespasti” means ‘Roof provided by God.’
