Ithaca Churches - Monasteries
Monastery of Aghios Nikolaos: The monastery of Aghios Nikolaos is situated at the northeast of the island, at Kioni village and was built by the locals after their victory over a pirate attack. The buildings of the monastery were destroyed by the earthquakes of 1953, but the main church remained intact. Here, it is worth seeing the ancient column standing in the altar, which is probably from an ancient temple that used to stand in this area.
Monastery of Katharon/Panagia Kathariotissa: The monastery of Panaghia Kathariotissa, an important church and reference point for Ithacans all over the world, is built on the southeastern top of the Homeric mountain called Nirito, on a beautiful edge, 15km. far from Vathy. According to the local tradition, as for the foundation of the monastery, some farmers went to the region to burn some pot herbs (“kathara” in the local dialect), but they found an icon of Panaghia (Virgin Mary) between the herbs and decided to build a church there. The icon of Panaghia was made probably by the Evangelist Loukas and represents Theotokos‘s birth. Panaghia Kathariotissa (Virgin Mary) is the patron saint of the island. On 8 September, when the monastery is celebrated, a big feast is held, gathering many people and visitors.
From here, you can enjoy the wonderful, panoramic view of Ithaca and the port. The view from the bell tower is unique. From here, you can see the southern part of the island, part of the east of Kefalonia, Ehinades islands, even Peloponnesian coasts and the western coast of Etoloakarnania (Western Greece).
Panaghia at Anoghi (Virgin Mary): The basilica of Panaghia (Virgin Mary) in Anoghi is one of the biggest, most important and most ancient churches in the Balkans. It has great dimensions (300m. length and 10m. width approximately) and, as reported, was built in parts before 7000 years. The interior of the church is completely covered with Byzantine murals and, that is why, it has been characterized, since 1959, by the Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs as a protected historical monument.
Panaghia (Virgin Mary’s Dormition): The church is built at the picturesque Perahori village. It is worth visiting it for the beautiful Byzantine icons and, particularly, the icon of Panaghia’s dormition and the wood carved screen brought by Aghios Rafael.
Panaghia’s Presentation at Linovrohia (Virgin Mary): The cathedral church of Panaghia (Virgin Mary) in Linovrohia, as it is called, was built in 1800. Here, a small temple existed before the current church, but it had to be enlarged because of the turnout of the people. You can admire the exceptional wooden templon, constructed according to the post-Byzantine art of 1793 and the impressive old bell tower, built in 1820.
