Monastery of Panachrantou Agios Panteleimon
Panahrantou Monastery, a monastery located on the northern slope of the mountainous massif of Gerakoni in Andros. The monastery is surrounded by rocks that have been shaped by the wind over the centuries, creating caves used by the ascetics. The view from the monastery is dazzling, offering the feeling of floating in the void.
It is worth noting that the monastery houses a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, which, according to tradition, is the work of the evangelist Luke. There are also two very beautiful post-Byzantine woodcarvings, the iconostasis and the doorway of the narthex entrance.
Many people call the monastery "Agios Panteleimon" because of the fact that the castle of Agios Panteleimon is also preserved here. Because of this fact, the monastery celebrates its memory both on 27 July and 15 August.
Access to the monastery is either from the village of Vouni via asphalt, which is the easiest access, or from the village of Falika via a dirt road. In addition, there are hiking trails leading to the monastery from Fallica, Livadia and Vrahnou for those who wish to have an adventure in nature.
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 Panachrantou Monastery 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 Panachrantou in Andros is an ancient core of spiritual heritage, lost over the centuries. It dates back to 960 AD according to two ancient manuscripts and local tradition. The story goes that two monks, at that time, noticed an unusual light from the other side of the mountain and decided to explore its source.
Discovering a cave under which an image of the Virgin Mary was hidden, they decided to take it with them. But the paradox happened every day: every time the icon was moved from the place where it had been placed, it mysteriously returned to its original position in the cave.
The persistence of the phenomenon led the monks to the decision to build an ascetic shrine and to call the area the "Holy Temple of Panachradou". Over time, this small community of monks grew, developed and secured an important role in the spiritual and social life of the region.