A pilgrimage to the rock of Mandraki
The sacred monastery of Panagia Spiliani on Nisyros is amongst the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Dodecanese. It stands upon the ‘Oxos’ of the Virgin Mary, a sheer, porous rock face approximately 35 metres above Mandraki. Climb the 130 steps leading to the monastery, and the view will be your reward.
Monasteries are generally built in secluded, remote locations. Spiliani, however, occupies a central position within the hamlet and harbour. This choice relates to a local tradition concerning the monastery's 14th-century foundation. According to tradition, a native of Nisyros discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary at Vretou, near the Mandraki Municipal Baths. He delivered it to the church of the Virgin Mary Potamitissa, yet the following day, the icon was mysteriously found in a rock crevice. This was seen as a divine sign, leading to the decision to build the monastery on that very spot.
The monastery owes its name to the cave-like recess within the rock that houses the church. At the entrance, observe the famed pebble mosaics of Nisyros, which are found throughout the island. Follow the steps down to the small cave housing the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The large icon of the Virgin Mary Hodegetria was adorned with a silver revetment in 1798. You will recognise it by the hundreds of votive offerings hanging at its base. It is believed that the original icon, discovered within the rock, lies beneath its left hand.
The Enniameritisses —women who stay in the monastery to fast and pray for nine days before the Feast of the Assumption— hold a special place in local tradition. The festivities culminate in the great panigyri (feast) of the Virgin Mary.
Monasteries are generally built in secluded, remote locations. Spiliani, however, occupies a central position within the hamlet and harbour. This choice relates to a local tradition concerning the monastery's 14th-century foundation. According to tradition, a native of Nisyros discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary at Vretou, near the Mandraki Municipal Baths. He delivered it to the church of the Virgin Mary Potamitissa, yet the following day, the icon was mysteriously found in a rock crevice. This was seen as a divine sign, leading to the decision to build the monastery on that very spot.
The monastery owes its name to the cave-like recess within the rock that houses the church. At the entrance, observe the famed pebble mosaics of Nisyros, which are found throughout the island. Follow the steps down to the small cave housing the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The large icon of the Virgin Mary Hodegetria was adorned with a silver revetment in 1798. You will recognise it by the hundreds of votive offerings hanging at its base. It is believed that the original icon, discovered within the rock, lies beneath its left hand.
The Enniameritisses —women who stay in the monastery to fast and pray for nine days before the Feast of the Assumption— hold a special place in local tradition. The festivities culminate in the great panigyri (feast) of the Virgin Mary.
