Monasteries of Andros

Zoodochos Pigi
Panachrantos​
Saint Nicholas Vounenois​
Saint Marina​
Saint Irene​
Tromarchian
All Monasteries

Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi

The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi is built at the location of Kapsorachi, situated between Gavrio and the village of Batsi. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the Cyclades (9th century AD) and is dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi, whose icon has been here since 1325.

From the monastery, you can enjoy an excellent view. During its peak years, it had up to 1000 monks! In 1928, it was converted into a nunnery, and today, two nuns reside here.

It has high walls with towers, many monk cells, a beautiful wooden iconostasis, a library with manuscripts, and relics. The katholikon (main church) is of Byzantine style, cross-shaped, with a dome and a narthex.

Phone: 22820-41259

Monastery of Saint Nicholas in Vounenois

The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas in Vounenois is located on the mountainside at the location ‘Ores’, shortly after Apoikia, north of Andros Town. From here, you can admire the beautiful view of the Achla valley.

The monastery was built in the 16th century, and repair works were done in 1760. It is an excellent architectural complex, well-maintained. It is surrounded by high walls, and the katholikon is cross-shaped, with two columns, a narthex, and a dome. Many monks used to live here in the past.

The monastery houses ecclesiastical relics, a guardhouse, and preserves the holy relic of Saint Nicholas, as well as relics of other saints and works of ecclesiastical art. In the church, see the wooden iconostasis, the episcopal throne, traces of frescoes, and in the middle church, the large icon of the Saint embroidered with silk and hair from the nun Leontia.

The monastery celebrates the Saint’s memory on May 9th, December 6th, and July 20th.

More information: www.diakonima.gr

Monastery of Panachrantos

The Monastery of Panachrantos is the most beautiful Byzantine monastery in Andros. It is located on a slope of Mount Gerakonas (Refuge), at an altitude of 230 meters.

Access is easier from the village of Exo Vouni. From the monastery, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Messaria valley and the surrounding villages. The fortress monastery was built in 963-969 during the campaign of Emperor Nikephoros Phokas against the Arabs of Crete (961 AD). It is a cross-shaped church with a dome, and its katholikon is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary is said to be the work of the Evangelist Luke.

The monastery also houses the holy relic of Saint Panteleimon. The monastery celebrates the Saint’s memory on July 27th, with a feast.

In the library, you will see ancient codices, patriarchal sigillums, a wooden iconostasis, while its entrance is framed by carved marble doorframes. Today, the monastery’s cells are empty, except for the few visitors who are hosted. Those who visit will meet Father Eudokimos, a lover of good company, ready to discuss both worldly and heavenly matters, and if you visit the monastery during mealtime, you may enjoy his wonderful spaghetti.

The Monastery of Panachrantos celebrates on July 27th (Saint Panteleimon) and August 15th (Dormition of the Virgin Mary).

Monastery of Saint Marina

The Holy Monastery of Saint Marina, with its holy water and the miraculous icon of the Saint, is located in the area of Apoikia, north of Andros Town. The exact date of its founding is not known.

It was partially renovated in the 18th century when the katholikon of the monastery was built. It was preferred by nuns from aristocratic families of the island.

It was abandoned due to a lack of nuns but was re-established in 1976.

In recent years, it has been renovated with the tireless efforts of its abbot.

Monastery of Saint Irene

The Holy Monastery of Saint Irene was founded in 1780 in Apoikia by the monk brothers Spyridon. It operated as a women’s monastery until 1833, when it was dissolved by a decree of King Otto. The church, although worn, survived along with its 1806 marble iconostasis and part of the surrounding walls. In 2006, Captain Eleftherios Polemis bought and restored the monastery with his family. Through his tireless efforts, it has become a center of attraction for religious and monastic tourism.

Today, it hosts summer camps for children. Additionally, throughout the year, the following museum collections operate:

  1. History of Writing (Michael Kairis Collection)
  2. Collection of Traditional Musical Instruments
  3. Collection of Rocks, Minerals & Fossils (Spyros Bellas Collection)
  4. Elli Mandaraka-Stamatiadou & Flora of Andros
  5. Collection “Blacksmiths, Works of Hands” (Michael Kairis Collection)

It is worth visiting the Saint Irene monastery website

Tromarchian Monastery

The Monastery of Tromarchia, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, is located on the southwestern side of Andros, near the village of Piso Meria. It was founded during the Ottoman period and celebrates its feast day on the 15th of August and the Monday of Renewal Week.
According to tradition, the Virgin Mary of Tromarchia was named due to a miracle that occurred when thieves returned stolen items to the monastery to save themselves from a storm.
Since then, it has functioned as a church. It continues to celebrate twice a year. Especially on the Monday of Renewal Week (Diakenisimou), a large crowd gathers from all over Andros. The celebration starts in the morning with a service, followed by dancing with local instruments until late at night. In the monastery’s oven, traditional “lambriates” are baked and offered to the people.

Map with Monasteries in Andros Island