A Visit to Ypsilou Monastery, Lesvos, Greece

This (active) monastery is dedicated to St. Ioannis Theologos and sits right on top of the highest peak of the Ordymnos mountain range in the west of the island. A sign on the entrance indicates that it was founded in 785 AD, making it the oldest monastery on Lesvos.

As you approach the entrance, it looks more like a castle than a religious establishment—an indication that raids by invading forces used to be a regular threat. Indeed, the monastery was ransacked several times over the centuries.

Once you get inside, however, you find yourself in a very peaceful environment. The monks gave us a friendly welcome and encouraged us to look around at leisure and ask any questions we might have.

There are potted plants everywhere, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

Some parts of the monastery are older than others. Little is known about its early phase, but it is believed that it was abandoned at some stage. It flourished in the post-Byzantine era, but damage from fire and marauders’ attacks required extensive rebuilding work at various points in time. A fire in the 1960s destroyed much of the main church, but it has been beautifully restored.

There is a small, but interesting, museum here. The display case in the photo contains a selection of old scrolls.

There are stairs leading all the way up to the open belfry.

From here you get uninterrupted views across the area, right up to the coast.