Panagia Eleousis Holy Monastery in Lygia

The monastery of Panagia Eleousis is located near the village of Lygia in a deep green canyon, while next to it, one can admire the magnificent cave with its stalactites, which is considered water holy water. The monastery was built in the 9th century AD. and took its name from the icon of the Virgin Mary found and given her the name Eleousa, asking for the protection of the inhabitants of the area. Even during the difficult years of the Ottoman domination, the Monastery of Aghios Eleousas was a refuge for refugees, however, over the years from the successive destruction and looting, only the church and a half-destroyed tower, which probably served to protect the monks who were there by the raiders. This tower has now been repaired. Also the Monastery of Agia Eleousa played an important role in the revolution of 1821.