This is a very old monastery founded by Saint Nilos in the early 14th century (around 1300-1320 AC) and now is inhabited by very few men monks – I think two or three.
At its peak, during the 16th century, the monastery hosted about 300 monks.
Saint Nilos was the nephew of Emperor Theodore of Nice and came from Constantinople.
He lived in many places throughout his life and after a calling he ended up in this place where he discovered the sacred image of Virgin Mary and founded the monastery.
The monastery is built literally on the edge of the hill and is the perfect place to cloister and find piece and calm.
I went recently to attend the memorial service of my beloved aunt – we went to this monastery as it was her favorite place to pray especially during Easter days.
I couldn’t take pictures from inside the Church but you can visit the magnificent portrait of Virgin Mary on the back of which, there are the figures of Apostles Peter and Paul.
The church itself is small, there are no lights and no microphones. The service here is truly magical.
Enjoy!