Kalymnos Monastery of Agios Savvas

Location: Pothia Town

The Monastery of Agios Savvas lies atop a hill overlooking Pothia, the capital of Kalymnos. This lovely church comprises stone features and a red tiled roof and is dedicated to Agios Savvas, the island's patron saint. Its location provides an excellent view of the town, the port, and the sea, while the beautiful Monastery of Agioi Pantes (of All Saints) is also located close by.

The church was originally founded by the monk Hierotheos Kourounis at the end of the 19th century. In 1925, Savvas Hotzevitis came to the monastery and stayed until his death in 1947, serving as the priest and spiritual father of the Monastery of Agioi Pantes. He was a great ascetic, iconographer, and miracle worker and is one of the few recently recognized saints of the Orthodox Church. After his death, he was buried in a silver coffin inside the Monastery, which was renamed after him.

The Monastery of Agios Savvas houses a collection of religious icons, vibrant frescoes, and the coffin in which Agios Savvas was laid to rest. Thousands of visitors come to this religious center every year, looking to pay respect to the memory of Saint Savvas. Prayer rooms are provided for those seeking the Saint’s guidance or looking for his healing touch. Visitors are required to dress according to the monastery’s strict dress code, with the appropriate clothes being provided at the entrance.

A celebration is held every year on the 5th Sunday of Great Lent, two weeks before Easter as well as on the 5th of December, the feast day of Saint Savvas. In proximity to the Monastery lies the Folklore Museum, also known as the Traditional House of Kalymnos, with exhibits that showcase what life was like on the island during the 19th century.