Samos Panagia Spiliani

Panagia Spiliani Monastery in Samos: At the northwest side of Pythagorion Samos and at an altitude of 125 meters above the sea level, there is the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, or the Virgin of the Cave. This small church is dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary and it is found inside a large cave. The church hosts a marble icon of the Virgin Mary that is believed to be miracle working.

According to a legend, the icon was stolen by some strangers and while they were unloading from the boat, the icon fell into the sea and broke into pieces. Over a long period of time, the pieces carried by the sea traveled back to the island of Samos. At that time the locals collected the pieces and the icon was put back to its original position. Beside the church is a spring with holy water found in the cave.

Archaeologists believe that even in the ancient times this cave was a worship place, as part of an ancient temple has been found inside. In fact, it is said that this cave might be the hiding and teaching place of Pythagoras, the famous mathematician from Samos. Moreover, in the Byzantine times, this cave was a Christian church. The Monastery of Panagia Spiliani is located on a hill and gives a remarkable view to Pythagorion. A number of 95 steps lead down into the big cave.