Scattered centres of Orthodoxy
With six monasteries and more than 300 churches and chapels, Hydra is also a destination of religious interest. Its monastic activity is mainly associated with the 18th and 19th centuries, when most of its churches were built. Each one has its own story.
At the top of the hill in the Kiafa area stands the Church of Saint Constantine the Hydriot, the New Martyr (1770–1800), patron saint of the island. The church was built near the Saint’s family home and houses his holy relic.
Equally devotional is a visit to the Holy Monastery of Prophet Elijah, founded in 1813. It stands in the centre of the island, on the south-eastern slopes of Mount Eros, at an altitude of more than 450 metres. Its gate is adorned with a mosaic of Prophet Elijah, while inside the katholikon you will see a magnificent carved wooden icon screen and old portable icons. The monastery also has a library and, during the Greek War of Independence of 1821, served as a prison.
In Hydra Town, do not miss the Church of Agios Dimitrios. Built in 1815, it is a small church dedicated in the name of three saints: Saint Demetrios the Great Martyr, Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Constantine the Hydriot, the New Martyr. It even houses an icon believed to be the first hagiographic depiction of the island’s patron saint.
Other remarkable churches adorning the streets and hills of the island include the Presentation of Christ (1780), Saint John the Baptist (18th century) in Kaminia, Saint Barbara (1798) in the Ghyftika area, and the Dormition of the Virgin (17th century) at Hydra port.
At the top of the hill in the Kiafa area stands the Church of Saint Constantine the Hydriot, the New Martyr (1770–1800), patron saint of the island. The church was built near the Saint’s family home and houses his holy relic.
Equally devotional is a visit to the Holy Monastery of Prophet Elijah, founded in 1813. It stands in the centre of the island, on the south-eastern slopes of Mount Eros, at an altitude of more than 450 metres. Its gate is adorned with a mosaic of Prophet Elijah, while inside the katholikon you will see a magnificent carved wooden icon screen and old portable icons. The monastery also has a library and, during the Greek War of Independence of 1821, served as a prison.
In Hydra Town, do not miss the Church of Agios Dimitrios. Built in 1815, it is a small church dedicated in the name of three saints: Saint Demetrios the Great Martyr, Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Constantine the Hydriot, the New Martyr. It even houses an icon believed to be the first hagiographic depiction of the island’s patron saint.
Other remarkable churches adorning the streets and hills of the island include the Presentation of Christ (1780), Saint John the Baptist (18th century) in Kaminia, Saint Barbara (1798) in the Ghyftika area, and the Dormition of the Virgin (17th century) at Hydra port.
