Panagia Spiliani Monastery — Attraction in Municipality of Eastern Samos

Nice place, nice temperatures in the cave.

Once you have climbed the hill to the monastery, you then descend 95 steps to the cave dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Παναγία, Panagia, All holy). We are informed that the cave is man made, excavated in ancient times as a quarry for the stone used as building material for the city and its walls.

Despite being an artificial grotto, a spring and the remains of an ancient temple discovered here indicate that this was a sacred place in antiquity. It has been suggested that it may have been inhabited by the Samian Sibyl (σίβυλλα, prophetess) Phyto (also referred to as Phemonoe or Foito), and that it was the Cave of Pythagoras (although another cave on Samos also claims this). The water of a pool in the cave, known as the Agiasma (Αγίασμα, Holy Water), is considered to be holy by Christians.

A church was built here in Byzantine times, and later a monastery. The cave contains a famous icon of the Virgin believed to have miraculous properties.

The cave was used by local people as a place of refuge during times of danger, of which Samos has seen many.

Monks no...

We walked a 3 mile circuit from our Zorbas Hotel this cool clear morning. The quiet road has a gentle incline, passing a Hellenistic Villa and aqueduct ruins on the way to the 6th C BC Tunnel of Eupalinos. After viewing its opening, we backtracked up to this monastery founded in 1586 which was free to enter. Passing the courtyard tower, we saw the chapel then descended into the beautiful lighted cave-grotto to its pretty blue chapel. Researchers claim it was a place of worship since ancient times. Back outside near the WC at the old supported pine, we found wonderful views to the town castle, the Roman baths and airport. Returning, we stopped to see the Roman theater and its 4th C BC arched cavern behind the stage. Perfect exercise with great scenery and part of the 1992 UNESCO Pythagorein and...

The Castle of the knights of St. John in Mandraki is built high on a rock at an altimeter of 150 meters. It took only 15 or 20 minutes to hike up there from the center of Mandraki town. Near the castle is the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, which has two churches. It is a quick visit for a reasonable and nominal 2 Euro charge to support the museum. Inside, there are skirts hanging on a rack for ladies to wrap around their legs (if in shorts or bare), for respect. The interior is lavishly decorated with beautiful artwork and various cultural objects. Would definitely...