The Byzantine monastery of the 11th century is perched on a cliff of Amorgos Island
Much above the Aegean, on the island of Amorgos, the most eastern of the Greek islands of the Cyclades, is located spectacular Byzantine monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa . Only visible from the sea such as a light white spot, it clings to the cliff at 300 meters above sea level. The monastery was built in the 11th century to protect a Religious icon of the Virgin Mary 9th century pirates in maraude. The icon, which is exposed to the public inside the monastery, would have mysteriously arrived on the shore just below a boat without a crew from Palestine.
The monastery building is stuck against the cliff wall. It is about 40 meters high and 5 meters wide, and has 8 bunk floors which have a greater width, using niches in the rock. Its interior looks like a labyrinth between the church, the rooms (a hundred!) and the various auxiliary parts forming a set that, with ingenuity and ease of use, meets the needs of monastic brotherhood .
One. small stone staircase leads to the narrow and low entrance on the east side of the monastery. There was once a retractable wooden ladder, which could be raised to prevent the invasion of unwanted visitors in the difficult times of pirate attacks. The exterior of the building as it is today is the fruit of several transformations which took place through time. L’ ogive above the door dates back to the 15th century, while the door frame carved stone was installed during the renovation of the monastery in the 17th century.
There are many cells for monks, a kitchen, built-in ovens designed with semi-circular arches, and a pan to store cereals and wine. The altar of the monastery with the wooden ceiling and the impressive Monastic table are interesting to see also.
Source: Amusing Planet
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