Churches in Meganisi

Of particular interest are the churches and monasteries that adorn the small island of Meganisi. Most of them were built in recent times and host valuable icons. Among the few, the monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos (St John the Baptist) is the most important religious site visitors will meet in this green island.

The historical monastery lies above the pebbly beach west of Meganisi and tradition has it that it was founded before 1477. It was destroyed by the pirates but it was rebuilt in 1800 by a nun who remained in the monastery until her death. Her tomb lies within the walls of the church. Another worth seeing church in Meganisi is the one dedicated to the saints Konstantinos and Eleni. It was built in 1620, something that it is also proved from the style of its frescoes. It is located in Vathy.

One of the important churches in Meganisi is the small church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos (St John the Baptist) located on a pebbled beach on the western side of the island. The church is probably built before 1477 AD. Historians say that pirates once devastated it and threw the holy icon of Saint John into the sea, but it was luckily caught by some fishermen. The church was rebuilt in 1800 with the interest of monk Ioannis Patrikis who belonged to a rich family.