PANAGHIA SPILIANI MONASTERY

Perched on a rock that conceals a cave, the white monastery of Panaghia Spiliani (Our Lady of the Cave) offers absolutely spectacular views of the surrounding area and the Aegean Sea. Legend has it that a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary was repeatedly found in this cave. As a result, the monastery, founded in 1600, became an important place of pilgrimage. You have to climb many steps (around 130...) to see the icon in question and the ex-votos that adorn the walls everywhere. It's a lovely place to visit, especially at sunset.

A small ecclesiastical museum highlights the sacred importance of the monastery. It is located behind the last square on the seafront, at the foot of the Panaghia Spiliani, and exhibits all kinds of liturgical vestments and objects. Of particular note are the ex-voto and wax dolls dedicated to the Virgin by women praying for the arrival of a child. These wax babies are sometimes a little frightening...

The celebrations on August 14-15, for the Dormition of the Virgin, are a major affair: the whole of Nissiros comes together for two days of great celebrations or panigyria at the monastery and in Mandraki. The island's biggest festival features banquets, dances and traditional music. You'll discover a dance that's unique in the Dodecanese: the cup dance. The woman leading the dance holds a cup in which the dancers must pour donations to the Virgin.