Tinos Kechrovouni Monastery

Location: Arnados

The Monastery of Kechrovouni is located on the mountainside of the homonymous Mount Kechrovouni, about 8 km northwest of Tinos Town. Standing at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level, it is afforded a splendid view of the island and the surrounding mountainous landscape. It was established around the 10th or 11th century by three daughters of a wealthy family who dedicated it to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

The site of the Monastery has an extra layer of religious importance, as it was here that Sister Pelagia envisioned the location of the miraculous icon of the Virgin. According to tradition, the nun ventured out to the location she saw in her dreams and dug up the icon, which led to the founding of the Church of Evangelistria in Tinos Town. In celebration of this event, every year on July 23rd the icon is transported to the monastery accompanied by a mass and a procession.

The monastery itself is distinguished for its tremendous size and beautiful architecture. Whitewashed walls, marble arches, and impressive bell towers make up most of the monastery, which combines traditional Cycladic elements with Venetian influences. A stroll along its stone-paved alleys reveals its seven churches, the main church housing a gorgeous wooden iconostasis and vibrant frescoes, as well as the cells of Sister Pelagia. An ecclesiastical museum is also open to visitors, displaying historical icons, vestments, holy books, and various religious relics.