On the north-eastern side of Naxos, 48 km from Chora, near the village of Agia is the Monastery of Panagia. The monastery as well as the Tower of Agia (above the Monastery) belonged to the powerful family of the Kokkos, orthodox of medieval Naxos. It was founded between the 7th and 9th AD. century. The privately owned Monastery belongs administratively to the Holy Metropolis of Paronaxia. According to tradition, the miraculous icon of the Virgin, found in the sea, was located in the monastery. The monastery area consists of the temple, 2 ground-floor buildings and a stone two-story building of newer construction. The church, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin, is a three-aisled, vaulted basilica, with a small wooden iconostasis and relics from the synthrones. Important Byzantine frescoes are also preserved. It is said that in earlier years, the pilgrims and especially the women were expected to reach the monastery barefoot crossing difficult paths. He celebrates on August 15.
Editor: Niki Kalopaidis