Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery in Amorgos

There are sights and there are sights, there are monasteries and there are monasteries. And then there is the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa on Amorgos, one of Greece's most remarkable sights, so extraordinary and sensational that the monastery itself may be worth the trip to Amorgos.

The monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is worth the entire trip to Amorgos.

If you only are planning to see just one Greek monastery in your life, it is enough with Panagia Hozoviotissa (sometimes spelled Chosoviotissa). Very few travel from Amorgos without having done a visit at the monastery and I don't think you do either.

Panagia Hozoviotissa as seen from the other direction. Agia Anna to the left.

In 1088 a ship sank near Agia Anna, an icon of Virgin Mary was on the ship. The icon was miraculously saved and in honour of this miracle it was determined that a monastery would be built on the cliff side above the finding place. One could hardly have chosen a more difficult place, and it is a complete mystery how they managed to accomplish the construction. Why did they not lie and said that the icon was found in Katapola? Oh no, here we will build a monastery on a steep cliff side 300 metres above sea level.

The holy icon of the Virgin Mary. The picture is from the Easter celebration at Amorgos.

Panagia Hozoviotissa seen from Agia Anna. See arrow.

The road down to Agia Anna. The monastery is located where the red arrow is.

From a distance Panagia Hozoviotissa appears as a giant sugar cube that has somehow riveted itself on the cliff side. I have visited the monastery several times, and every time I am puzzled about the architects and the construction workers of that time, every time I walk away with the mind filled with question marks. How did they do?

From afar, Panagia Hozoviotissa looks like a giant sugar cube.

The entrance to the monastery.

The entrance to the monastery is very narrow and very low.

How on earth did they manage to build the monastery?

The monastery is located right beneath Chora on the way to Agia Anna. The easiest way to get there is by private vehicle, then you avoid the crowding on the bus and you can be in charge of the time. The buses to Chora (from Katapola and Aegiali) are usually coordinated with the buses to the monastery.

The stairs leading up to the monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa. Do you see the cat?

It takes about 15-20 sweaty minutes to walk up to the monastery.

Inside the monastery are a number of small cells where the monks lived, only a few monks live here nowadays. Not only that the monastery is illogically located, it is also very narrow, in some places no more than four meters between the outside walls. A tour, as you do on your own, goes pretty fast and above all you will be impressed by the construction, the view of the sea, the icon of course, and that the monks can live in a place that is so hot.

Monastery liqueur and the floury sweet.

When you reach the top floor your face and back will stream with sweat. Then, when you need it the most, the monks usually offer you a glass of water and a glass of monastery liqueur. However I leave out the floury sweets they also offers, it sits like a cork in the throat. You are not allowed to take photos inside the monastery. The picture above we were allowed to take many years ago.

From the monastery you have this fantastic view of The Big Blue.

Stone steps leads up to the monastery from the turning area, it takes about 15-20 sweaty minutes to walk up. Visit the monastery in the morning if you can, the monastery lies in the shade in the evening and is therefore not as spectacular.

As in all Greek monasteries you must dress properly: arms and legs must be covered for both women and men. Women should wear a sarong, long skirt or dress. Earlier, there were clothes to borrow at the entrance, but it is not possible anymore, so bring your own clothes. Open every day from 8:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 19:00.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU VISIT PANAGIA HOZOVIOTISSA

Don't miss swimming in Agia Anna, which you can read about here »

READ MORE ABOUT AMORGOS