South Aegean

Churches and Monasteries in South Aegean

The South Aegean islands host a diverse collection of religious sites reflecting Byzantine, Frankish, and Cycladic influences. This selection spans from the UNESCO-listed Monastery of St. John on Patmos, founded in 1088, to the cliff-clinging Chozoviotissa in Amorgos. It includes major pilgrimage sites like Our Lady of Tinos, the distinctive asymmetrical architecture of Panagia Paraportiani in Mykonos, and the historic Byzantine frescoes of Rhodes. These sites illustrate the region's spiritual history through fortified monasteries, intricate mosaics, and iconic blue-domed cathedrals.

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Monastery of St. John on Patmos

The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian is a Greek Orthodox monastery founded in 1088 in Chora on the island of Patmos.

Chozoviotissa Monastry

The iconic sight of Amorgos island. The gleaming white monastery carved into the stone walls of the island's mountains is a truly…

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Our Lady of Tinos

Our Lady of Tinos is the major Marian shrine in Greece. It is located in the town of Tinos on the island of Tinos.

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Panagia Paraportiani

Located in Mykonos Town, this complex consists of five small churches built together. Construction began in the 14th century, resulting in a unique, asymmetrical white-washed structure that originally served as a side gate in the medieval castle walls.

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Monastery of Filerimos

Situated on a hill near Ialyssos, Rhodes, this site includes a 15th-century Gothic-style monastery built by the Knights of Saint John. A stone-paved path lined with Stations of the Cross leads to a massive concrete cross overlooking the coast.

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Panagia Tourliani Monastery

This very peaceful and tranquil monastery with beatiful radiant white walls is surely a place to visit while staying on the Mykonos island.

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Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church

The Three Bells of Fira, officially known as The Catholic Church of the Dormition, is a Greek Catholic church on the island of Santorini.

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Orthodox Cathedral Hypapante

Similar to a mosque, this beautiful cathedral is one of the dominants of Fira. Come inside and explore the exquisite mosaics.

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

Prophet Elias Monastery

More of a fortress than a monastery, this is one of Santorini's most impressive sites.

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Tsambika Monastery

Perched atop a 300-meter cliff on Rhodes, the 'Upper' monastery is reached via 350 steps. It is a historic pilgrimage site known for its panoramic views and the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary housed in the lower monastery.

Olaf Tausch / CC BY 3.0

Metropolitan Catholic Church Presentation of Christ

Located in the Kastro district of Naxos, this 13th-century cathedral features a marble floor decorated with noble coats of arms and a rare double-sided icon depicting the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist.

Wolfgang Staudt / CC BY 2.0

Catholic Cathedral Church of Saint John The Baptist

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a parish of the Roman Catholic Church in Fira, on the island of Santorini in Greece.

Zde / CC BY-SA 4.0

Zoodochos Pigi

A small cave church on the slopes of Mesa Vouno in Santorini. It is built around a natural spring, the island's only source of fresh water, situated near the archaeological site of Ancient Thera.

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Monastery of Agios Ioannis

A beautiful, tranquil and secluded monastery where you can see amazing religious paintings and enjoy the view.

Oleg Chalov / CC BY-SA 4.0

Moni Thari

One of the most important Byzantine monuments on Rhodes, this monastery dates back to the 9th century. Dedicated to the Archangel Michael, it contains well-preserved frescoes spanning from the 12th to the 14th centuries.

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Aghios Nikolaos Fountoukli

A 15th-century Byzantine church on Rhodes featuring a rare quatrefoil architectural plan. The interior is decorated with original frescoes depicting the church's donors and various religious scenes.

Mstyslav Chernov / CC BY-SA 3.0

Agios Nikolaos

Located at the entrance of the Old Port in Mykonos Town, this small, blue-domed 18th-century church is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and features traditional white-washed Cycladic architecture.

Christian Tavío / CC-BY-SA

Panagia Platsani

Originally located within Oia's castle walls, this church was rebuilt in the village's central square after the 1956 earthquake. It is distinguished by its white-washed exterior, blue dome, and traditional six-bell tower.