Theoktistis Monastery

Sign to Theoktistis monastery
Theoktistis monastery is located in the northern interior of the island, in a pine forest near the village of Pigi.
Theoktistis Monastery
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.
Theoktistis Monastery
The main temple is designed in a barrel-vaulted style and contains several murals. Unfortunately, no buildings are open while we’re here.

Theoktistis Monastery

Theoktistis monastery
The last inhabitants left the monastery in 1982. Today, it is cared for by residents of the surrounding villages.

Theoktistis Monastery

Theoktistis Monastery
In addition to the main temple, the monastery consists of fifteen cells, plus various other structures and spaces.

Theoktistis monastery

Theoktistis Monastery

Theoktistis Monastery

Theoktistis Monastery
There are dozens of types of flowers at the monastery, including common marigolds.
Purple flower
Our favorite was this glowing African Daisy with an icy indigo core.
Rosemary
Because most people gather wild herbs in Ikaria, it is rare to see this familiar version of rosemary.
Chapel of Theokespasti
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.
Chapel of Theokespasti
“Theokespasti” means ‘Roof provided by God.’

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.