Sacred Sites on an Island Illuminated by Faith and Tradition
Kythera, the island of Aphrodite, is not only a destination of natural beauty and cultural heritage, but also a place of deep spirituality. Maintaining its religious character intact, the island is home to over 350 churches and historic monasteries, many of which date back to Byzantine and Venetian times.
These sacred sites are scattered in every corner of Kythera – from steep peaks and caves, to seaside chapels and mountain monastery complexes, and offer a unique spiritual and cultural experience to the visitor.
The presence of so many temples testifies to the deep religiosity of the Kytherians throughout the centuries, from the Byzantine years to the present day. Here the visitor does not simply discover historical monuments, but lives an experience of inner connection with the spirit and history of the place.
Panagia Myrtidiotissa, The greatest pilgrimage of Kythira
The most important religious center of Kythera is the Monastery of Virgin Mary of Myrtidiotissa, the island’s patron saint. The monastery is located on the west side of the island, amidst lush greenery, and attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over Greece every year.
According to tradition, the holy icon of the Virgin Mary was found among myrtle trees by a shepherd, and is considered miraculous. The imposing church, with its tall bell tower and simple monastery complex, exudes peace and devotion. The Myrtidiotissa festival on September 24th is an important event for the island.
Saint Theodore – Patron Saint of Kythira
In the central part of the island, near the village of Aroniadika, lies the historic monastery of Saint Theodore, patron saint of Kythera. Saint Theodore was a soldier who converted to Christianity and was martyred, while the monastery was built in the 10th century and renovated during the Venetian occupation.
The location offers endless views to the west and the church, with its frescoes and old cells, retains an authentic Byzantine atmosphere. His memory is especially honored on May 12.
Virgin Mary Orphan – Mystery and devotion
On the west side of the island, near Mylopotamos, lies one of the most special churches of Kythera: Virgin Mary Orphan, built on a cliff inside a rock. The small church is accessible only by hiking and is surrounded by mysterious silence and a unique view of the sea.
The icon of the Virgin Mary is considered equally miraculous and is a monument of folk architecture and faith. It is a favorite spot for solitary prayer and meditation.
Monastery of Saint Elesa – Symbol of sacrifice and faith
At the highest point of southwestern Kythira, above the villages of Livadi and Pourko, stands the monastery of Saint Elesa, dedicated to the eponymous martyr who was persecuted and martyred on the island in the 4th century. The church is built on the site of the martyrdom and offers a panoramic view of the entire western coastline.
Agia Elesa is particularly beloved in Kythira and her pilgrimage on August 1 attracts a large crowd.
Castle of Kato Hora Mylopotamos
The Byzantine churches at kastro Kato Choras, in Mylopotamos, Kythera, are important monuments that reflect the religious and cultural life of the island during the Byzantine and post-Byzantine era. The castle, built in the 16th century by the Venetians, housed many small churches within its walls, which functioned as spiritual and social centers for the residents.
Among these, the church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos stands out with its impressive frescoes of 16th century, Panagia Myrtidiotissa and the church of Agios Antonios, which are distinguished for their architectural simplicity and rich interior decoration.
The frescoes of the churches cover a time span from the 13th to the 17th century, presenting scenes from the lives of the saints and the Virgin Mary, and testify to the deep faith and artistic tradition of the island. Many churches were associated with important families of the region and functioned as chapels.
Monastery of Agia Moni
The monastery of Agia Moni, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, is located in the east of the island above the village of Diakofti, with a breathtaking panoramic view, and combines ascetic austerity with intense natural beauty. An icon of the Virgin Mary from Constantinople is also kept there, according to tradition.
Agios Petros in Mylopotamos – A temple in the heart of the green
The church of Agios Petros in Arai, near Mylopotamos, is one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Kythera. Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, the church is in the form of an inscribed cross with an octagonal dome and without a narthex, characteristic of Byzantine architecture of the time. It preserves two layers of frescoes, Byzantine and post-Byzantine, which adorn the sanctuary, the proscenium and the diaconal. The church of Saint Peter in Araioui is an architectural and artistic jewel, testifying to the deep religiosity and cultural flourishing of Kythera during the Byzantine period. Its unique architecture and exceptional frescoes make it one of the most important religious destinations on the island.
The monument has undergone consolidation and restoration work by the 1st Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities. The church is accessible via an asphalt and concrete road, making it easily accessible for those wishing to explore the rich religious and cultural heritage of Kythera.
Agios Demetrios in Pourkos – Faith and local identity
In the small and quiet village of Pourkos, the parish church of Agios Demetrios dominates, which is inextricably linked to the identity of the community. The Church of Agios Demetrios in Pourkos is one of the most important Byzantine monuments of Kythera, built in the 13th century. The complex consists of four small churches that form a quadrilateral, with a common entrance from the west. The southern church is dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the northeastern to the Virgin Mary, the northern to Saint Nicholas and the northwestern to Archangel Michael or Saint Basil.
The architecture of the complex is unique, with two Kytherian-style domes and arches, while its frescoes date from the 13th to the 18th century. In the northern church, an inscription has been preserved mentioning the painter Demetrios, archdeacon from Monemvasia, who painted the frescoes.
The church is accessible via an asphalt road and is an important destination for those interested in Byzantine art and the spiritual heritage of Kythera.
Agios Georgios on the Mountain
The Church of Agios Georgios on the Mountain, near Avlemonas in Kythira, is one of the most important religious and archaeological sites on the island, with the history of the area spanning more than four millennia.
The site of the church originally housed a Minoan peak sanctuary, which was founded in the first half of the 2nd millennium BC and flourished during the Neopalatial period (1700–1400 BC). The excavations of Professor Yannis Sakellarakis in the 1990s brought to light rich findings, such as stone ritual objects, figurines of animals and worshipers, jewelry and ceramics, confirming the existence of a Minoan colony in Kastri.
During the early Byzantine period, the site maintained its cultic character with the construction of a Christian church dedicated to Saint George. The current church, built in the 16th century, is a single-nave with a vaulted ceiling and has a 7th-century mosaic floor, depicting hunting scenes, birds and decorative motifs. Next to it is a second church, dedicated to Panagia Myrtidiotissa and Saint Nicholas.
The location offers panoramic views of Avlemonas, the Dragonares islets, Diakofti and the coast.of the Peloponnese, making it an ideal place for pilgrimage and contemplation. Access is via an asphalt road and a cement road, starting near Diakofti.
Agios Georgios in the Mountain is a living monument to the continuous worship presence in Kythira, from the Minoan era to the present day, and is an integral part of the cultural and religious heritage of the island.
Agios Nikolaos Krasas
Agios Nikolaos Krasas is a picturesque chapel in the southwest of Kythira, near the Monastery of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, in the Mavros Vrachos area. The chapel was built in 1619 by Captain Nikolaos Kasimatis, who, during a severe storm, made a vow to Saint Nicholas to save him. When his ship ran aground safely, the captain fulfilled his vow by building the temple, using wine instead of water in the mud mixture, due to the lack of water in the area.
The chapel is built on a rock, a few meters above the sea, and offers a unique view of the Ionian Sea. Access is via an asphalt road to the Myrtidiotissa Monastery and then a concrete road. The area is particularly popular for its impressive sunsets, which many visitors consider superior even to those of Santorini.
Agios Nikolaos Krasas is one of the most characteristic examples of the deep religiosity and maritime tradition of Kythera, combining historical significance with the natural beauty of the landscape.
Kythira as a Religious Tourism Destination
The visitor who chooses to get to know Kythera through its churches and monasteries will discover a different face of the island: inward, devout and full of spirituality. The religious heritage of Kythera is an integral part of their identity and offers experiences that go beyond conventional tourism.
Participating in local services, visiting festivals and simply observing church customs can be transformed into experiences of spiritual upliftment and cultural connection with a place that maintains its authenticity over the centuries.
