The founding of the monastery is related to the finding of the icon, around the end of the 17th century. Many legends are heard about the holy icon. It is called “Kounistra” (the Greek word for swingable) because it was revealed in a miraculous way, on a branch of a tree, swinging in the air.

Skiathos island is specially lighted. It bred many intellectuals and made its own history during the Ottoman rule with its boat yards, its hundred and ten sailing ships and its monasteries. A hermitage and base of operations at the same time, Skiathos contributed to the cultural history of modern Greece with Alexandros Papadiamandis, Alexandros Moraitidis and other eminent intellectuals and scientists. Today, Skiathos preserves its authenticity, its picturesque scenery, its character. Verdurous, beautiful, with numerous beaches waits for the visitors to slowly reveal its grace to them. Its residents, naturally creative, have become one with the characteristics of their race. They welcome visitors cordially, with open heart and souls. In this island, old and new elements mix harmoniously. Monasteries and xoklisia (small isolated churches), old, full of history, fortresses and monuments, old mansions, stand next to big or small modern hotels. Spectacular beaches, where the pines reflect into the crystal clear blue sea. Caves and rocks with unique shapes carved by their continuous struggle against the sea for all their life, within the centuries. Traveling along the road on the slope, you admire the sea’s unique colors. You bend a little, so as to avoid the branches of the huge […]

Alexandros Papadiamandis “The poet of prose” according Kostis Palamas, is aggregated among the most distinguished Greek writers of modern Greece. He was born in March 4, 1851, in Skiathos, and died there, too. His deep love for his homeland, God and humans is most obvious in his work in general. Hundreds of articles and studies have been written for his work. In 2001, several important events were held in honor of the 90 years from his death, and the 150 years from his birth date. His father, Adamantios Emmanouil was a priest; his mother came from a noble family whose origin was Morias; his cousin Alexandros Moraitidis had the same origin, too. He was first sent to study in Chalkis high school, Piraeus afterwards and when he interrupted his studies, he went to Mount Athos, and finished his studies, in the philosophy faculty of Athens University. He worked as a translator of the English literature mainly and as a journalist. His autobiography is worth reading: “as a child, I used to paint saints, or write lyrics. I also tried to write comedies. In 1868 I attempted to write a novel. In 1874 I enrolled myself in the philosophy faculty of […]