Monasteries in Samos ,and Metohia and Greek Churches in Samos
It is not known how did Christianity spread in Samos, but it is possible that this was the deed of Apostles Paul (Apostolos Pavlos)and John. It is a fact thought that it was spread quite early, as the ruins of the Basilicas in Pythagorio, Ireon, Kedros and other places that date back to the 5th century a.d. indicate.
Due to the ravage of the island, from the mid 15th till mid 16th century there are no ancient monasteries and churches on the island apart from Evangelistria on Mt Kerkis and Metamorphosis in Kedros, churches that date back to the 10th and 11th century respectively. All of the rest are dated from the mid 16th century and onwards.
Monasteries in Samos
Vronta Monastery:
Ìonk vrodait is located a few kilometers south of the village of Vourliotes in a magnificent woodland and on an altitude of 460 meters, with an extraordinary view to the North and East where you can see the Asia Minor coast. It was founded in 1566 by the monks (and brothers) Jacob and Makarios and it is dedicated to the natal of Virgin Mary. There are many frescoes, a woodcut temple and a lot of holly ware.
Monastery of Virgin Mary,(Megali Panagia):
Monk Megalis Panagias It is located two kilometers Southeast of the village of Koumaradei and on the side of the road that leads to Miloi, in a very nice environment with an altitude of 225 meters. It has a lovely view of the plain of Chora, Pythagorio and the Asia Minor coast (the mountain of Mikali). It was founded in 1586 the monks (and brothers as well) Neilos and Dionysios and it is dedicated to the Assumption. It has to show a very nice woodcut temple, some frescoes and a lot of holly ware.
Monastery of the Holly Cross,(Timiou Stavrou):
Monk TIMIOU STAVROU
It is located two kilometers Southeast of the village of Mavratzeoi next to the road and on altitude of 200 meters. In 1582, monk Neilos has founded a small church and in 1604 he and his brother Dionysios expanded it. There are frescoes, a magnificent woodcut temple and a lot of holly ware.
Monastery of prophet Elias: It is located three kilometers Southeast of Karlovasi, next to the road that leads to Konteika and on an altitude of 210 meters. There used to be a small church and a few cells that monks Neofilos and Gregorios had built and on 1739 the priest-monk Gregorios built the church that stands also today. There are a lot of holly ware, a few frescoes and a woodcut temple.
Monastery of Holly Zone(Agia Zoni):
It is located to the East of the town of Samos, within Vlamari Valley and on an altitude of 120 meters. It has been founded by the priest-monk Meletios in 1695. It has frescoes, a woodcut temple and a lot of holly ware
Monastery of the Life-giving Fountain (Zoodohou Pigis):
Monk of ZOOTHOCHOU PIGIS It is located on Rampaidoni mountain to the Northeast of Samos town and on an altitude of 300 meters. From there, there is a fantastic view to the narrows of Mikali and the eye is lost in the depths of Asia Minor. It was founded in 1756 by the priest-monk Dorotheos. It has a lot of holly ware, frescoes and a wonderful woodcut temple.
Monastery of Holly Trinity
Monk Of AGIAS TRIADAS It is located North east of Mitilinioi village and on an altitude of 129 meters. It was founded by the priest-monk Neofytos in 1824.