monastery of panagia spiliani

PerE81

In case you have any interest in history and in other cultur and greek ortodox religion this visit will give you a great insight in their way of living and executring their religion.

OpaMarnie

Set high on the hill above Pythagoreio, this monastery has a special and unique chapel built into caves almost hidden behind the buildings. Well worth a visit, and we enjoyed the commanding view for our picnic lunch.

traveloebus

You should definitely visit this church. The inside of the near by cave is very interesting. They still organize baptise events here. The view on top is very nice as well.

Don_Renee

The drive or walk (approx 2.5 km) to this beautiful, quaint monastery is well worth it. Beautiful building with breathtaking views of Pythogario and the Aegean. Very quiet and peaceful. Be sure to go into the cave just off the courtyard, with several altars, shrines and niches of burning candles.This is an unforgetable monastery.

BridieMarie

liked hearing about the history of the monastery from our excellent guide. A beautiful view from outside the monastery.

NottinghamRed

What a delight to step into the cave and down into the lovely cool depth from the heat of the day to discover the shrines & altars. A must do.

mersaa

Fantastic place, absolutely go there! You can combine it with a visit to Efpalinio tunnel, which is close by, although the tunnel is currently closed for preservation. As you drive up the hill, you reach a monastery which looks pretty dull, but you need to get inside to discover Spiliani. I will not say no more, just go there! You will be pleasantly surprised!!

Sallypb

It was a nice walk up to the monastery and well worth it. The cave was very interesting and not something I had ever seen before. There was a small shop selling drinks and ice cream. The views over Pythagoriou were amazing and you could see the runway and aircraft activity really well.

smilerh

The Monastery of Panagia Spiliana was recommended to us by a shop keeper near by.We were supprised how big it was when we arrived and found it quite interesting looking over what we were allowed to,only wishing I understood it more than I do.

Islandhopper198

This place is a jewel,a haven of peace set among the beauty of Samos,I would call this place the Greek version of the Russian Faberge egg.The location a few minutes from the beautiful village of Pythagorian up the side of a steep mountain when you get out of your car and look it strikes you why a Monastery was built here overlooking Ormos Pythagoriou Bay with the vista of a 7km beach that streaches from Ireon pass by the Temple of Hera,the airport at Potokaki all the way across to Potami and its fantastic beach.The Monastery is small old and in everyday use the surprise is the hidden church in the cave underneath at the surface it was 33c but by the time you get to the bottom of the cave to the little church it had to be only maybe 6c you can see your breath.Again you realise this was in use in the 1st century AD on a step near the exit there's a step that says 188AD....yes this is well worth the trouble to go visit and you end up in a damp Northern European climate just for a few minutes..go take a look.

georgioa732

Nice old monastery, on a great setting. Great atmosphere and breathtaking views. Definately worth a visit.

Gemma-Marie_94

this place was amazing such a beautiful place to see the views over the town are fantastic. this time we visited there was a christening on and we could go into the old part where the old church is build inside the mountain that was just beautiful never seen anything like it well worth the visit .

gesthimania

Beautiful monastery. You can feel the tranquility of God in the cave. even though I have never seen that you buy holy water in Greece. All churches give holy water for free!!

SusanWorcestershire

Lovely views out across the bay. Very peaceful spot. Interesting little chapel down inside the cave.

PuddingEater

This monastery is well worth the trip. Pythagorian is a lovely port with fairly upmarket shops and pretty cafes and restaurants by the water. The monstery is a short drive or longish walk up the hill above it. We drove and were rewarded with a very pretty cluster of whitewashed buildings grouped around a bell tower and shaded by ancient cypresses. On arriving we realised there was a Greek Orthodox christening going on in the 'holy cave' which is used as a chapel, so we watched for a while as bearded priests in marvellous red hats and robes chanted and swung incense - all very atmospheric. Inside we saw some ancient icons including one of St George. Not tons to see but a fabulous view from the top - and a very welcome ice cream which we ate in the cool of the trees.