The most important religious monument of the island

You can reach Panormitis by boat from Yialos or by car/motorbike from Horio. The monastery of Taxiarchis Michael Panormitis lies on the southwestern part of the island, accessible via a green cypress and pine trees forest. The monastery has been referred to in writing since the 15th century AD, while it is considered to be, along with Patmos, one of the two greatest religious pilgrimage sites of the Dodecanese. The monastery has a guest house which can accommodate up to 500 people. The pebbled courtyard with the elaborate geometrical design is extremely interesting. The bell tower is similar to the one in Zagorsk, the religious city near Moscow. The folklore and church museum are also worth a visit for a glimpse into the island’s past. In the monastery’s sacristy offerings are kept in the form of bottles– it is said that sailors put them in the sea and they then reach the monastery. According to locals, if an offering is promised but not made, the Saint will do anything to get it himself and for this reason he is also called “Thief”.