Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa
Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa
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5.0
1,287 reviews
Excellent
1,108
Very good
137
Average
31
Poor
3
Terrible
8
susi s
Sydney, Australia137 contributions
May 2022
A must see experience! Yes there are 300 steps but just take your time. It is worth it. Note that the monastery closes from 1 pm to 5pm for prayers. Coming at 9 am or a bit later avoids getting there and squeezing into quite a small public space.
Written 27 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderer41955968161
28 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
No public transport in early April, so a perfect opportunity for a hike.
I hiked from Katapola to Chora (avoid the main road, unless you intend to hitchhike) enjoying the beauty of the valley, the labyrinth streets of Chora, and the views over the coast and the mesmerising blue waters.
In summer the monastery can see as many as up to 1000 visitors a day, or so i was told. But early and late in season you may be one of a few pelgrims, which enhances the experience
The story of the monastery is as amazing as the views. As are the stories of all the art works and the inhabitants. Collect stories, I encourage you
I hiked from Katapola to Chora (avoid the main road, unless you intend to hitchhike) enjoying the beauty of the valley, the labyrinth streets of Chora, and the views over the coast and the mesmerising blue waters.
In summer the monastery can see as many as up to 1000 visitors a day, or so i was told. But early and late in season you may be one of a few pelgrims, which enhances the experience
The story of the monastery is as amazing as the views. As are the stories of all the art works and the inhabitants. Collect stories, I encourage you
Written 17 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GaryandLesleyTravel
Auckland Central, New Zealand7,688 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Catching the the bus up from Katapola we were dropped just short of and below the monastery from where you walk the last couple of hundred metres to the start of the 350 steps. The Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Chozoviotissa (Abbey of Hozoviotissa) built in 1017, renovated in 1088 literally hangs off the cliff face approximately 260M above the sea. From here it’s a beautiful view point, the Aegean Sea looks amazing, the cliffs are spectacular, the 1006 year old monastery (2nd oldest in Greece) interesting, 8 stories high no more than 5 metres deep at any point and adorned with 16 & 17th century icons / ornaments / paintings. From the bus stop head back up along the road towards Chora and you will come across the cut stairs that take you up the hill to the the township.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MADRIDSTANGELO
Chicago, IL92 contributions
Sept 2019
SO much HISTORY, and STUNNING VIEWS...see it from the water..then climb the 300 steps up to the Monastery. The Monastery accepts visitors only twice per day...plan appropriately. Also...dress accordingly. Women, bottom clothing must be beneath your knees.
Written 31 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny S
Piraeus, Greece76 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
You should definitely go. Breathtaking view, worth a million steps. Whether you are an orthodox or not you should go. A bottle of water, carry nothing at all, wear something decent, long trousers for men, long skirt for women or a kaftan to cover your legs, kids are welcome in any clothing.
Best I have ever seen!!!
Best I have ever seen!!!
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert K
31 contributions
June 2022 • Couples
Worth everyone of the 300 steps, for the view alone. But this is a fascinating monastery, the monks are so welcoming and friendly, providing iced water and liquors and local sweets for those who make it to the top.
Fascinating collection of Greek navy plaques and memorabilia, it appears many navy crews visit the monastery which, due to its location, has a seafaring connection.
If in Amorgos, you should, indeed must, make the effort.
Fascinating collection of Greek navy plaques and memorabilia, it appears many navy crews visit the monastery which, due to its location, has a seafaring connection.
If in Amorgos, you should, indeed must, make the effort.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr Nantia Iakovidou
West New York, NJ12 contributions
Sept 2014 • Couples
Unfortunately at this monastery there is a very unfriendly and rude old monk, which has packed with also unfriendly guards and armed policemen all the areas of the Monastery!!!
But what I saw the day that I visited this Monastery was beyond all reason!!!
The monk along with one of the guards, literally kicked out of the place two people just because they had dark skin!!! I entered the Monastery the same time with them and they were very quiet and did nothing wrong!!!
That was a really sad and racist behavior and I feel awful about it!
Some friends that visited the same Monastery 8 years ago told me that there was another young monk there who was very kind and friendly, but unfortunately this has changed now!!
I agree that the view is fantastic from up there but the guards don’t allow to take photos of it, and I mean just the view, because taking photos of the inside or outside of the Monastery is totally out of the question for them!!
I felt really upset about this situation and I would really highly recommend anyone NOT to visit this place!!
But what I saw the day that I visited this Monastery was beyond all reason!!!
The monk along with one of the guards, literally kicked out of the place two people just because they had dark skin!!! I entered the Monastery the same time with them and they were very quiet and did nothing wrong!!!
That was a really sad and racist behavior and I feel awful about it!
Some friends that visited the same Monastery 8 years ago told me that there was another young monk there who was very kind and friendly, but unfortunately this has changed now!!
I agree that the view is fantastic from up there but the guards don’t allow to take photos of it, and I mean just the view, because taking photos of the inside or outside of the Monastery is totally out of the question for them!!
I felt really upset about this situation and I would really highly recommend anyone NOT to visit this place!!
Written 9 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria_K_GF
Serres, Greece16 contributions
have been three times during the last ten years in Amorgos island and I am looking forward to go there again and again...
In order to go to the monastery is much better to walk down there from the Chora (the capital of the island). You will be amazed by the village itself and the way there will slowly get you in the spirit of what more to expect. In the higher spot, close to the milles, the wind is very strong and , if you let it, it will clear your mind and soul from anything left that is bothering you.. And then you start the descend to the beach of saint Anna.. Check the view: endless blue, (just like the movie).... The way to the monastery has many many steps to climb.. Every step you will be taking, you will start to feel the need for silence. It does not matter whether you are a religious person or not. The all experience (not only the view of the sea or of the monastery) is overwhelming.. If you get there early and the gate is not open, just sit and relax. The monastery itself is of great architecture since it is built on the sid of a mountai and it seems like hanging from the sky. The monk is very friendly, explaining everything and giving you some raki to drink and a loukoumi to eat.
As all Amorgos, there something amazing in the air, something like magic, that is making you fill like at home and even better, a home that you have been dreaming of. Just let your feelings go and you will get the write feeling.
In order to go to the monastery is much better to walk down there from the Chora (the capital of the island). You will be amazed by the village itself and the way there will slowly get you in the spirit of what more to expect. In the higher spot, close to the milles, the wind is very strong and , if you let it, it will clear your mind and soul from anything left that is bothering you.. And then you start the descend to the beach of saint Anna.. Check the view: endless blue, (just like the movie).... The way to the monastery has many many steps to climb.. Every step you will be taking, you will start to feel the need for silence. It does not matter whether you are a religious person or not. The all experience (not only the view of the sea or of the monastery) is overwhelming.. If you get there early and the gate is not open, just sit and relax. The monastery itself is of great architecture since it is built on the sid of a mountai and it seems like hanging from the sky. The monk is very friendly, explaining everything and giving you some raki to drink and a loukoumi to eat.
As all Amorgos, there something amazing in the air, something like magic, that is making you fill like at home and even better, a home that you have been dreaming of. Just let your feelings go and you will get the write feeling.
Written 10 April 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E R
Port Carling, Canada11 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
I’ve visited many monasteries and cathedrals all over the world and this one is by far my favourite. As I climbed each step on my way to entrance I find crystal after crystal lying on the ground like little gifts from this magical island. The island of love and famous water oracle. You must also visit the lovely icon painting nun who moved back to Greece from studying in London to devote her life to maintaining this beautiful abandoned monastery with stunning frescos, beautiful gardens and lots of cats!
Written 27 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pegasusSydney
sydney83 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
You cant not be impressed with this monastery built into a sheer rock face. Built originally in the 8th century. The stunning white colour is only 100 years old but is very dramatic against the raw stone. The chapel inside is very small and you might need to ask to be shown it. Long pants essential but they do provide them at the entrance which is free. You can walk down from Chora but it is steep especially walking back and takes 30-40 minutes. Else catch a taxi or bus and walk up to the monastery. Dont miss it.
Written 21 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bonjour, je suis une étudiante francaise qui voyage dans les cyclades avec un projet portant sur les communautés, j'aimerai savoir si il est possible de faire du woofing pour le monastère. ( il a des monastères dans les cyclades qui le permettent c'est pour cela que je me questionne sur les possibilités du lieu). merci.
Written 30 August 2018
Quanto dista da Atene? Che località dovrei impostare sul navigatore?
Written 17 February 2018
Stiamo parlando dell'isola di Amorgos nelle Cicladi. Si arriva solo via mare gtp.gr per tutte le informazioni sugli orari delle navi.
Ciao!
Written 17 February 2018
What is the best way to get there for a day trip from Santorini? It looks like Seajets ferries will arrive at 1:45pm and depart at 6:40pm but does that leave enough time to visit between 5:00pm and 7:00pm? Are there other options?
Written 29 January 2018
Hi there. Unfortunately the island is not well connected with boats.
Same time it is not very easy and quick to drive around the island.
So i would suggest you to have more time in the island and make sure you have options for your transportation in case one is cancelled for any reason.
Written 12 February 2018
Hi, is The Monastery open on 14-15 of august (Panagia ) St. Mary day, are there some religious events, and is this period good for visiting the place ???
Written 10 September 2017
There are plenty of religious events going on around that period.The most popular are on 6th of Aug and on the 15th. On the 6th is the celebration of Jesus and that takes place in Hora. People gather in the central square called "Loza" and enjoy free food, drinks and live music. The second event takes place in Lagada, celebrating St. Mary where again visitors you enjoy free traditional food and drinks as well as live music. I would suggest you visit the island between the 6th and 16 of Aug, so you can enjoy both big events. I have two friends that can offer accommodation either apartment via airbnb or hotel with swimming pool. Both located in Aegiali (10 min from Lagada and 20 from Hora). The name of the apartment is "Krikelos House" (airbnb) and the name of the hotel "Seahouse". Check them out online if you like. Both have 5 star reviews. :)
Written 12 September 2017
Dalle 9 alle 13 e dalle 17 alle 19
Written 5 September 2017
PIEGALL
Palermo, Italy
È possibile visitare il monastero la domenica ?
E assistere alla messa?
Written 27 August 2017
E' aperto tutti i giorni, è anche possibile assistere alle funzioni che credo siano solo la mattina molto presto.
Written 27 August 2017
μέχρι ποια ώρα είναι ανοιχτό το απόγευμα ;
Written 11 August 2017
δε θελω να ρωτησω τιποτα , απλα ανατριχιασα απο την περιγραφη !!! ευχαριστω πολυ !!!
Written 20 July 2017
Bonjour, si notre hôtel est à Chora,le village principal, combien faut-il de temps pour se rendre à pied au monastère?
Written 9 October 2016
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