On the south side of the island, on Skiadi mountain, opposite the islet of "Petrokaravos", is the monastery of Panagia Skiadeni. It is said that this islet was a pirate ship that was petrified by the Virgin when the pirates stole her miraculous icon. Tradition states that the Monastery was named Skiadeni because of its sunless, shady location and/or because of the shape of the mountain which resembles a skidia (pyramidal hat). Architectural elements from the Sanctuary of the goddess Artemis are preserved in the area. The rebuilding date of the Monastery is set by some scholars around 1200 while by some others around 1777. The only thing that is certain is that the maintenance and finishing works of the Monastery were completed in 1861 during the days of Abbot Ignatios Zannetides. The church of Panagia is single-aisled, cruciform with a two-story bell tower resting on a stone base. Inside there is a wood-carved iconostasis and a partial newer iconography. The silver-plated icon of the Virgin Mary (MR THOU I SKIADENI) is a work of 1886 (THE WORK OF EMANOIS PANTELI D. CHRISOHOU KRI YEAR 1886). Various sacred relics such as old liturgical books, a gospel from 1781 and an old icon made of mastic are preserved from the Monastery. The church celebrates on September 8.
Editor: Niki Kalopaidis