The Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery in Amorgos rightly ranks among Greece’s most iconic religious sites. Visible only from the sea, the monastery is carved on the rock, attracting thousands of visitors yearly. Being one of the most famous monasteries in Greece, Hozoviotissa is renowned for its whitewashed style and enjoys spectacular views of the Aegean Sea.
As you can easily imagine, visiting the monastery is one of the must-do things in Amorgos. On a recent visit to the so-called Big Blue island, I saved half a day for visiting Hozoviotissa and exploring its premises. That said, in this article about Amorgos’ most famous location, you’ll see several photos of Hozoviotissa. In addition, I’ll also share 10 facts about Hozoviotissa to help you understand its significance. Lastly, I’ll share info and tips about your visit.
So, let’s find out what makes Hozoviotissa Monastery so unique.
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10 facts about Panagia Hozoviotissa in Amorgos, Greece
Hozoviotissa is a 1,000-year-old monastery
The construction of the Eastern Orthodox Hozoviotissa Monastery (Greek: Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Χοζοβιώτισσας) began already in the 9th century AD. Specifically, according to historians, the first parts of the monastery were built around 813 AD. However, it was under the reign of Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus I that Hozoviotissa was refurbished. In his time, in 1088, Hozoviotissa took its final shape, which we still see today.
Its architecture is typical Cycladic, consisting of whitewashed walls and small rooms. From Hozoviotissa’s windows, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
It is dedicated to Virgin Mary (Panagia)
Virgin Mary is the patron saint of Amorgos. According to local folk tradition, the monastery’s name derives from the toponym Hozeva in Palestine, the place where the orthodox monastery of St George was located. The background story is that the icon of Panagia Hozoviotissa arrived mysteriously by sea and ended up at the famous Agia Anna Bay. Agia Anna is Amorgos’ most famous beach, immortalized in the Deep Blue movie.
The locals built the monastery on the rock overlooking the bay to commemorate the icon’s arrival. And that’s how the famous monastery was constructed in the 9th century AD.
Every year on the 21st of November, the monastery hosts a big celebration dedicated to Virgin Mary.
The key number is 300
Hozoviotissa is built 300 meters above sea level on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. The location is prime, and the views will fascinate even non-religious travelers.
The Hozoviotissa Monastery is non-visible from the island and will only appear when you start taking the stairs leading to it. Regarding reaching the monastery, you’ll need to take 300 stairs before reaching Hozoviotissa’s entrance. Visiting the monastery either early morning or late afternoon is highly recommended to avoid sunburn. The sun in Amorgos is known for its intensity, even off-season.
Hozoviotiossa is an architectural gem
Carved on a cliff, Hozoviotissa might seem to some as an architectural paradox. Nonetheless, its architecture is impressive, and creating a building like this is an achievement.
To get a better impression of its architecture, Hozoviotissa’s building is 40 meters in height. However, its width is only 5 meters. In total, the monastery has 8 floors. As you can imagine, it’s a tall but relatively narrow building, and walking on its floors might feel a tad claustrophobic. The building has various rooms, the cells, and the church itself, hosting several icons. For the record, Hozoviotissa Monastery has 15 cells for monks.
Just a few monks live in Hozoviotissa Monastery
When I visited Hozoviotissa, one of the monks told me that only three people currently live there. The monks will offer you handmade psimeni raki (an alcoholic drink), water, and loukoumi, a sweet that it’s always on offer in Greek monasteries.
The walk toward the monastery is tiring, especially during the summertime; therefore, unwinding while enjoying the sea view is priceless.
The monastery has a strict dress code
As always in Greek monasteries, the dress code in Hozoviotissa is strict. Men and women have to cover their arms and legs. Therefore, if you arrive during the summertime in your shorts, be prepared to wear the long skirts and trousers provided at the monastery’s entrance. Bare shoulders are also not tolerated.
Hozoviotissa Monastery is not open all day long to the public
Hozoviotissa is open for everyone to visit, and no one will judge you about your religion. However, remember that the monastery is not open all day to the public.
Specifically, the Monastery of Hozoviotissa is open from 8 AM until 1 PM and from 5 PM to 7 PM. Visits outside these timeframes are not allowed.
As I already stated, visiting Hozoviotissa when the sun is at its pick it’s not a good idea. Therefore, start early in the morning, or visit after 5:30 PM when the sun is not that intense.
You can walk from the Chora of Amorgos (or take your car)
At the edge of the Chora of Amorgos, you will see a designated path leading to the Monastery of Hozoviotissa. It is approximately 2 kilometers away (~1,25 miles), and you’ll need less than 30 minutes to the front entrance. Alternatively, you can take your car and park it outside the monastery’s entrance.
You’ll need to take the 300 stairs leading to the monastery in both cases.
For the ones reaching Chozoviotissa on foot, be prepared for some effort on the way back to the Chora. It’s a steep way up, but if you’re in good shape, it won’t be a problem.
There’s a pilgrimage tour for hikers
If you enjoy hiking while on holiday, there’s also an excellent pilgrimage tour in Amorgos. It combines the island’s beauty with a visit to Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery, and it’s one of the best ways to explore everything Amorgos offers.
Guided by a local, the tour takes the ancient route from Aegiali all the way to the Hozoviotissa Monastery. This 8 hours Amorgos hike is moderate in difficulty, bringing you to abandoned villages and stunning nature. The guide is knowledgeable and will share several historical facts about the island. After visiting the monastery, you’ll also have the chance to stroll around the Chora, one of the most beautiful settlements in the Cyclades.
You can book the pilgrimage tour here.
Hozoviotissa Monastery is not a UNESCO Site (yet)
For an architectural marvel like this one, it’s surprising that Hozoviotissa is not yet on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Although an application was filled out several years ago, the confirmation is still pending.
If you would like to support Hozoviotissa’s UNESCO candidacy, you can sign the petition here.
Final thoughts about the Hozoviotissa Monastery in Amorgos
The Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa is one of the top attractions of Amorgos. Its background history, stunning architecture, and fantastic Aegean Sea views make it an unmissable location for every visitor. Located outside the Chora, the Hozoviotissa Monastery is easy to reach by car or on foot.
As you can see in the photos, Hozoviotissa is one of the most impressive spots in the Cyclades. Therefore, add Amorgos to your island-hopping itinerary, visit the monastery, and head over to Agia Anna beach afterward to see where the icon of Panagia arrived centuries ago. And if you happen to be there during the summer, dip in the deep blue water.
More about Amorgos: Easter in Amorgos: a travelogue, Amorgos Polaroids
More religious sites in Greece: Panagia Kalamiotissa in Anafi, The church of Elytis in Sikinos
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Last Updated on June 17, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos
George, what happens when you first enter a Greek monastery like Panagia Hozoviotissa Monastery in Amorgos? Does someone always greet you inside? Do you just walk inside and look around? Also, the loukoumi treat and the alcohol, who asks if you want some? Can you explain how it all works? Have you ever been asked for money for something, like an entrance fee, or is everything always free?
Hope you’re enjoying yourself in Greece, must be nice weather there now.
Hey John!
You always have the best questions! Well, there’s no (let’s call it) protocol when you walk into a Greek monastery like Panagia Hozoviotissa. Sometimes you are greeted by monks or nuns, but other times you just step inside and look around. Usually, someone at the entrance informs you about the dress code.
You can freely walk around if asked not to reach certain monastery parts, for example, the cells. There’s no entry fee; visiting a monastery in Greece is always free.
As for the loukoumi and water treat, someone always offers them to you as a gesture of hospitality. Alcohol is rare, and at Hozoviotissa in Amorgos is more of a local thing they offer. Amorgos is famous for its psimeni raki, and that’s probably why it’s offered at the monastery.
Athens is warm right now, but I’m very busy. I hope you’re doing well, John!