The Monastery is located at an altitude of 267 m. on the homonymous hill of Filerimos and is dedicated to Panagia Zoodocho Pigi. In this location was the Acropolis of Ialyssos and the amphiprostyle, Doric temple of Athena Poliados and Zeus Polieos (3rd-2nd BC). An early Christian three-aisled basilica (5th AD century) was built on the ruins of the sanctuary, from which the cruciform Baptistery is preserved. During the time of the Knights, in the 14th century, the stone-built Gothic church (next to the Baptistry) was restored and then the monastery complex of Panagia with its impressive bell tower was built. The monastery was destroyed during the Turkish occupation, rebuilt in the 15th century. and was operated by monks of the Capuchin Order (17th century) until World War II.
The building complex includes, in addition to the Baptistry and the Gothic Monastery, ruins of the Byzantine Monastery (10th century), the restored church of Panagia (15th century) as well as the Byzantine underground church of St. George of Xostos (with frescoes of the 14th century) which is said to have been built by the Apostle Luke. There are also 2 chapels, one for the Orthodox and one for the Catholics. From the eastern entrance, the visitor climbs a wide stone staircase and is led into the monastery area crossing the "Way of Martyrdom" (or Golgotha). This street is paved with stone, has 14 copper engravings on altars on one side (recounting the Passion of the Lord) and ends at an 18-meter Cross, from which - via a circular staircase - one can admire the panoramic view of the whole island. The presence of peacocks is intense throughout the route. The miraculous icon of Panagia Filerimou (11th century) was in the Monastery until 1523. Over the centuries it was moved to Italy, Malta, Russia, Berlin and since 2002 it has been housed in the Blue Chapel of the National Museum of Montenegro.
Editor: Niki Kalopaidis
