Monastery of Agios Nikolaos
The Holy Monastery of Agios Nikolaos in Andros is a stately presence in the valley of the river Achla, below the famous hill of Vourkoti. Its area is called "Hores", since it was the place where the lords and sailors of Andros attended the religious ceremonies of the Great and Royal Hours. According to tradition, the monastery was founded in the 11th century and served as a secret school and printing press within the Society of Friends.
The architecture of the monastery is a stunning example with works dating from 1540 to 1760. The buildings form a fascinating ensemble, with 20 chapels within the walls of the monastery and many others scattered around the island. The monastery's iconostasis is unique, and the altar still produces holy water today. The katholikon impresses with its cruciform layout, the dome with its impressive frescoes and the magnificent wood-carved iconostasis.
The monastery celebrates on 9 May, 6 December and 20 July, and is easily accessible from the road of Vourkoti via a dirt road leading directly to the monastery.
Our travel experiences in dazzling Andros take on a new dimension with the one-day tours offered by our company, Major Tours. Discover the beauty and history of our region in comfortable transportation and luxury. Via our bus, with a capacity of 50 seats, you will depart from your destination to explore the unique Monastery of Agios Nikolaos and other monasteries and convents in the area. With a qualified guide and comfortable space, you will have an experience rich in knowledge and beauty. For smaller groups, we offer minivans with comfort and luxury, ensuring a personalized tour experience. Finally, for more exclusive experiences, your transportation can be arranged by taxi, offering the ideal flexibility and luxury for groups of up to 4 people.
The Monastery of St. Nicholas in Andros is where precious relics and holy relics climb, composing a treasure trove of spiritual riches. Among them, the beautiful icon of the Virgin Mary of Myrvlytissa, which has been kept here since the 16th century, after its transfer from the temple of Blachernae in Constantinople, stands out. Among the remarkable relics is the silver-embroidered icon of St. Nicholas, a work of art by the nun Leontia, using precious stones and hair from her hair.
In addition to these, the monastery keeps great holy relics, such as St. Nicholas the Hierarch and St. Nicholas the Young, as well as familiar names such as St. Cosmas of Aetolo and St. Makrini, sister of Basil the Great. In addition, parts of the casket of St. Joseph of Arimathea and the thigh of St. James the Great Martyr of Persia are kept here, creating an aura of sanctity and history that permeates the monastery.