When I was designing Kalvokoresi 16, I wanted it to be a sanctuary of rest, much like the quiet courtyards of our monasteries that have offered peace to travelers for centuries.
On Chios, faith is woven into the landscape. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to humble mountain hermitages, these are the places where time stands still. Here is my personal curation of the island's most significant spiritual "hidden gems."
If the island has a spiritual crown, it is Nea Moni. Built in the 11th century with a grant from Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos, it is one of the most important Byzantine monuments in existence. Its mosaics are world-renowned for their dramatic expression and golden light, created by artists from the imperial workshops of Constantinople. Visit the ossuary near the entrance; it holds the remains of those lost in the 1822 Massacre, a haunting reminder of the island’s resilience.
Perched on the slopes above Nea Moni, this monastery was built at the site of the cave where the three monks who founded Nea Moni lived as ascetics. It remains a vibrant monastic center characterized by its rugged setting and deep silence. Please note that traditional rules are respected here, and women are kindly asked to visit before sunset.
For every Chian, Agia Markella is the heartbeat of our faith. Her monastery sits directly on a deep, pebbled beach looking toward the heroic island of Psara. Follow the narrow path along the shore to the spot of her martyrdom; legend says that warm spring water bubbles up from the earth into the cold sea at that very spot. If you are here on July 22nd, you will see thousands of pilgrims walking 50km from town to honor her.
📍 Navigate to Agia Markella Monastery
Located near the village of Neochori, this monastery is internationally known for its tragic role in the Massacres of 1822. Three thousand people sought refuge within these walls, only to meet their end. Today, you can still see the traces of blood on the marble floor of the church. It is a place of profound atmosphere, now home to nuns who keep the tradition of ecclesiastical weaving and hagiography alive.
📍 Navigate to Agios Minas Monastery
In the rugged north near the village of Dievcha, you will find Moni Moundon. It was once the second most important monastery on Chios after Nea Moni. Though it feels beautifully weathered today, it houses 475 breathtaking folk-style frescoes from 1730. The depiction of "The Life of the True Monk" on the southern wall is a masterpiece of local religious art.
📍 Navigate to Moundon Monastery
Just a short drive north from your suite, this monastery overlooks the sea. It was founded after a monk found a miraculous icon in the waves below. It provided vital charitable services during the resistance of World War II and remains a beloved local site for its sea views and peaceful gardens.
📍 Navigate to Mersinidi Monastery
Located in the Karyes area just minutes from Chios Town, this monastery was founded in 1930 to house nuns who were refugees from Asia Minor. It is a place of exceptional order and beauty, known for its workshops where the sisters produce intricate embroidery and icons. The surrounding pine forest offers a cool breeze and a panoramic view of the town.
There is a unique energy in the courtyards of these monasteries—a mix of fragrant incense, sea salt, and silence. After a day of exploring these sacred heights, I invite you to return to the refined comfort of your suite.
Wash away the dust of the mountain paths under your premium Italian shower and sink into your mattress.
For more details on the visiting hours or the best route through the mountain passes, please consult the Chios.gr (https://chios.gr/el/anaklipse-ti-xio/ekklisies-kai-monasthria/ekklisies)
Warm Regards,
The Founder
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