Churches in Lesvos

Lesvos is renowned for the several Byzantine churches and pilgrimages, most of which gather a great number of people from all over Greece and the rest of the world.

In the settlement of Thermi, in Karyes hill rises the monastery of Agios Raphael, the most famous monastery of Lesvos. The monastery was established in 1963 over the ruins of an ancient church. The saint is known for its healing powers and the monastery attracts and accommodates hundreds of pilgrims every year.

One of the island's attractions is the beautiful monastery complex of Taxiarches, in the village of Madamados, the saint protector of the island. The holy icon of the saint is considered quite unique and miraculous. A worth-seeing monument is Agios Ioannis Therapontas (Healer) Church which is standing near the pier. It is the largest structure of the town built in the early 18th century. One of the oldest churches of the town is the Byzantine church of Agioi Theodoroi, located at the edge of the ancient town. It hosts worth seeing icons and relics.

Among the most famous churches is the Metropolis Church of Agios Athanasios located at the center of Mytilene. The 16th-century religious site is one of the most remarkable examples of post-Byzantine architecture. It is the symbol of Mytilene. The 14th century of Panagia Tourloti should not be missed, one of the few surviving Byzantine monuments in Lesvos.

One of the monasteries that have played an important role in the religious and spiritual history of the island is the 16th-century monastery of Limonos. It was built during the Byzantine years and today visitors can admire a remarkable collection that consists of icons, handmade objects, folklore relics, and other religious treasures. The monastery's library is also of unique interest.

The Monastery of Ipsilou is an active monastery on the top of Odrymnos hill, in Andissa village. According to the tradition, the monastery belongs to the Byzantine period and after a long time of abandonment the monastery flourishes again but is destroyed by the fire.

Other churches that spread throughout the island of Lesvos is Agios Stefanos, the early Christian Basilica of Saint Andrew and Agios Athanasios, the cathedral of Mytilene.