The most important pilgrimage of the island is the monastery of Agios Panteleimon.
It stands isolated on a green slope on the Kryallos hill. It is located at an altitude of 450m, among century-old plane trees and chestnut trees and is 15 km from Livadia or 6.5 km from Megalo Chorio. Ancient Greek columns and capitals can be seen in the building, from the ancient temple of Poseidon, which was located in the same place. The monastery was built in 1470-1480 by the monk Ionas. The catholicon, in the type of cruciform inscribed with a dome, dates back to at least the end of the 15th century, according to excellent frescoes uncovered in the narthex of the church. It was renovated in 1703 by Abbot Lavrentios. The ornate wood-carved iconostasis is from 1714 and the frescoes on the dome and the sanctuary were done in 1776 by Grigorio Simaios. At the end of the 19th century, the monastery functioned as a bank, issuing notes of 5, 10, 20 and 40 parades.
The Monastery celebrates on July 27th and the festival that takes place lasts three days, starting from July 25th. Food is offered and there is a big feast with traditional music, dances and songs.
Editor: Fotini Anastasopoulou
