Holy Monastery of Panagia Anafonitria

It was probably founded in the 15th century by Leonardo III de Tocco, Count of Kefallinia and Zakynthos. Of Byzantine origin is the miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary “Anafonitria”, which arrived here from the conquered Constantinople (1453). The monastery is in great prosperity at the end of the 15th century. It was under the ownership of Venice that granted it to eminent persons, priests and laymen. The priceless historical and artistic relics of the monastery were misappropriated by foreigners and locals, in different historical periods. In the historical monastery of Anafonitria, the later Saint Dionysios was abbot. In 1580, Saint Dionysios, as abbot of Anafonitria, hid in the monastery and saved his brother’s murder from his persecutors (it is said that this is the reason for his sainthood). The monastery was renovated in 1669, following two decrees of the arch-admiral of Venice, Francis Morosini. Today, restoration work has been carried out on the Monastery, although it no longer houses monks.