Visitors say
Great expiriance. One of the monks living there gave us a guided tour of their small museum and explain all the historical things about ortodox religion, island, greece and the monastery.
Definitely a must see when in Lesvos, if you can, read the story of this amazing place before you visit. Monks very kind and discreet. Museum really worth it. Free admission
About
Historic monastery perched in the mountains above Antissa offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and Aegean Sea. Houses an impressive museum featuring Byzantine manuscripts, ancient papyri, liturgical vestments, and religious artifacts spanning centuries of Orthodox heritage. A serene spiritual destination for visitors seeking cultural and religious insight.
Before you go
What to expect
Arriving at the monastery, the mountain stillness hits you before anything else — the courtyard opens onto sweeping views down toward the coast while the museum inside holds centuries of Orthodox devotion made tangible: Byzantine manuscripts, ancient papyri, and liturgical vestments that few visitors expect to find this deep into the western hills. Give yourself time with the collection rather than rushing through.
Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn are ideal — cooler temperatures make the mountain drive and courtyard exploration comfortable, and crowds are thin outside July and August.
How to get there
From Mytilene, head west across the island toward Antissa; the drive covers roughly 70–80 km on winding mountain roads and takes around 1.5 hours.
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Visitor Reviews
Isabella Lypart Stephensen
September 2025
So very beautiful in here. Worth a visit
miha remic
July 2025
Great expiriance. One of the monks living there gave us a guided tour of their small museum and explain all the historical things about ortodox religion, island, greece and the monastery.
Io Io
July 2025
The monastery is very worth visiting. Awesome location, great views. BUT BEWARE: the young "monk" there gives 200% creep vibes. He made both the girls in our group feel VERY uncomfortable. Not recommended for solo travellers
Tolga Durdu
June 2025
Beautiful religious complex with a fabulous garden. You feel the peace in the air.well worth a visit.
Ewa Święciaszek
September 2024
A wonderful, quiet place. A tiny monastery, very well-kept. There is a museum inside, containing a large collection of books, papyri, liturgical vestments, headgear and jewelry. A beautiful view from the top, in a desert climate. Parking directly in front of Monastir.
Alexis Pulga
July 2024
Definitely a must see when in Lesvos, if you can, read the story of this amazing place before you visit. Monks very kind and discreet. Museum really worth it. Free admission
Simon Sobisch
June 2024
If you are interested in the architecture and/or the unexpected rich exhibition of sacred belongings then this is a good place to be. Otherwise you likely still enjoy the view and the friendly monks.
Jag Grewal
September 2023
Beautiful and quiet monastery with spectacular and commanding views. Bit of a windy road up and down but they are one way so not to bad to navigate. Little museum and stunning chapel.
Magdalena Franquet Piotrowska
September 2023
Going up you have an incredible view that goes up till Molyvos. Definitely worth a short visit. There is no lunch or drink facilities, but there is a bathroom.
Kamila S
July 2023
Very old monastery on the top overlooking the area. There is a small museum here. You can see beautiful flowers. Interesting views. Worth visiting before Petrified forest of Lesvos.
Make a day of it
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