Panagia Spiliani

The monastery of Panagia Spiliani is built inside a cave, only a few kilometers northwest of the village of Pythagorion. It is located in a green area, at an altitude of 120 meters and it is dedicated to Virgin Mary. According to tradition, this specific cave has been a place of worship since antiquity. Experts even suggest that Pythagoras had a school of philosophy at the very same place that today lies the monastery.

In the monastery, you will see the ancient icon of Virgin Mary, which is believed to be miraculous and has been frequently damaged, resulting in a crack. According to tradition, the crack was caused to the icon when two foreigners attempted to steal it and transfer it by boat. The icon wanted to stay on the island, so it cracked and sunk in the water. The locals found it on the beach it and took it back to the temple. That is why the icon is also named as “Panagia Kaliarmenitissa” (means Virgin Mary that travels safely).

Next to the cave, there is a small church dedicated to Saint George. Finally, inside the cave, Holy Water springs from the ground.