Pithari Monastery near Eressos
The monastery of Pithari was founded in the 17th Century and lies in a valley between Eressos and Antissa. Settled amongst ancient trees the buildings nestle within the confines of their protecting walls.
The monastery is small by the standards of the larger Limonos and Agios Raphael and open to the public who may visit almost all areas of the buildings, except the private quarters of the priests and advocates who live there.
There are a number of small chapels here, each containing beautiful religious artefacts and superb examples of wall paintings.
The silver icon of the 'Panaghia' (Mary) is on display in the main chapel. It is generally acceptable to take photographs when visiting all parts of the monastery but please do be respectful when doing so, and it always helps to ask someone first. Pithari has a small canteen too for refreshment.
Not only is Pithari extremely beautiful, it also hold some interesting and fascinating examples of geological finds from the area.
The 'Stone Room' is literally a room full of stones, some of them fossilised and some precious which you should take the chance to visit and enjoy.
Please do remember that if you are going to visit a monastery or other religious sites anywhere, you should dress accordingly. Shorts and vests are not respectable attire. The good news is that upon entering churches and monasteries, there will be special pieces of cloth which you may wrap around you whilst visiting.
In the picture left you can see these garments hanging on the back of the main door to the grounds.
