Agia Eleousa Monastery

The monastery is located in the village of Lygia. Since Christians were at great risk of attack by pirates during the Byzantine period, the discovery of the icon of the Virgin (the Panagia Eleousa) was taken as an important sign and the monastery was built on this site in the 9th century AD. The feast day of the Virgin is celebrated on 30 and 31 August each year with religious ceremonies and a major celebration. Visitors are also recommended to attend mass celebrated in accordance with the Byzantine rite at the monastery over the Easter period.