Kefalonia Monastery of Argilion

Location: Sami

The Monastery of Argilion in Kefalonia, Greece: On a hill just above the bay of Sami, there is the Monastery of Agrilion, an important religious site for the locals. The location of the monastery offers an incredible view to the blue-green waters of Antisamos beach on one side and the towns of Sami and Agia Efimia on the other.

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The monastery was founded in the 18th century by two shepherds, who had found a miracle-working icon of Virgin Mary on that same spot in 1722. These two shepherds, Jacob and Symeon, became monks and were the first monks to live in his monastery. It is said that Saint Cosmas of Aetolia (1700-1779), also known as Father Kosmas Etolos, an Orthodox monk and important figure of the Greek Enlightenment, stayed in this monastery during his visit on Kefalonia.

The icon of Virgin Mary that was found by the two monks has been incorporated today in a larger icon of Virgin Mary (Panagia) Agriliotissa. There is a large "panigiri" in this monastery on August 15th, while the memory of Kosmas Etolos is also honored on August 24th.

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How to get there

The Monastery of Argilion is located in Sami village.

Private transfers: We recommend using an online pre-booked Kefalonia transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the airport, port or your hotel. Alternatively, there’s the option of arranging a pickup by a local driver directly at the following numbers: 0030 694 5306 145, 0030 694 5118 866, 0030 697 7193 569 or book your taxi online.

Car rental: Τhere’s the option of renting a car in Kefalonia with as little as 11 euros per day and pick it up directly from the airport, port or your hotel. Using a car rental allows visitors to discover the Monastery of Argilion and many other places of interest in Kefalonia at their own pace.

By Public transfers: The central bus station of the island is located at Argostoli. There are buses from Argostoli to Sami during the day. Consider that time schedules might change according to the season. Check the official timetables here.
Tip: Since buses don’t always stop in every scheduled stop of their itinerary, our advice to visitors is to inform the driver about their final destination, so that he makes a stop there.

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