Sifnos Prophet Elias Monastery

Location: Apollonia

The Monastery of Prophet Elias is situated about 9 km northwest of Apollonia and just 1 km from the small settlement of Troulaki. It is distinguished by its idyllic position, lying at the highest peak of the island, at an altitude of 682 meters. The monastery was constructed atop the ruins of an ancient citadel in the middle of the 17th century. The inhabitants often used it as a sanctuary, protecting themselves from oncoming pirate attacks. By 1873, the monastery was completely abandoned.

The monastery stands out for its striking whitewashed exterior, stone features, and traditional architecture. The central church is surrounded by a wall and some cells, which serve as the monastery’s main fortification. Underground arcades were once used as hiding places for the monastery’s many treasures and relics. The dining room is an elongated area with many arches and includes a kitchen with ovens and a spacious table that accommodates up to 50 people. To the right of the monastery lies the smaller church of Saint Eliseus.

Every July 19th a celebration takes place on the site of the monastery, in honor of the Prophet Elias. This wondrous occasion is accompanied by a lovely feast consisting of various local delicacies, including chickpeas, braised goat with potatoes or spaghetti, and high-quality wine. Traditional music is played and dances are performed as this lively celebration stretches from the afternoon till the early morning hours.

The Monastery of Prophet Elias is accessible on foot via a lengthy but fairly manageable trek up the mountain. Following a winding dirt path, visitors are afforded impeccable views of the entirety of the island, as well as the endless blue of the Aegean. The closer you get to the summit the better the view gets, with some neighboring islands coming into your line of sight.
Those planning on making the hike are advised to come equipped with essentials such as water and sunscreen, as well as a good pair of shoes for some of the rougher areas.