Moni Thari Church, Laerma, Greece

Reached through a forest, the domed church of Moni Thari was hidden from view in order to escape the attention of marauding pirates. According to legend, it was built in the 9th century by a mortally ill Byzantine princess, who miraculously recovered when it was completed.

The 12th-century north and south walls remain, and there are vestiges of the 9th-century building in the grounds. The nave, apse and dome are covered with frescoes. Some walls have four layers of paintings, the earliest dating as far back as 1100, while there are three layers in the apse dating from the 12th-16th centuries. These are more distinct, and depict a group of prophets and a horse’s head. The monastery has been extended and has basic accommodation for visitors.

References:

visitrhodes.com

Religious sites in Greece

User Reviews

Nikola Dejanovic (8 months ago)
According to tradition, the monastery was founded by the daughter of a Byzantine emperor, a Byzantine Princess, who was plagued by a deadly illness and miraculously healed. The ship which transported her from Constantinople, traveled to the port of Lindos and from there she moved to the area of Tharrio. The water of the spring that was found there and the fresh air contributed to her recovery. In return for her healing, she erected the monastery. The fountain to be found today about 100m. southwest of the Katholikon and outside the precinct, is believed to be the same of which the princess was healed, and is considered as a holy water.

Birk Bremer (10 months ago)
We visited the monastery in the late afternoon. A wonderful place of calm.

Michael Hofmeister (11 months ago)
Very calm and quiet place with a great View. Tremendous church with very old Icons. Pleased respect the Rules for clothes to visit a orthodox church and monastery!! A must see when you are interested.

Helena Keeble-Wright (12 months ago)
We took a trip here to see the monastery. The roads were good to get there. It was very peaceful. The gardens are beautiful. As quiet as it was we still felt welcomed. We lit a candle for a loved one and donated to the box before we left.

R (12 months ago)
A beautiful, calm and quiet monastery located in the middle of nature with 900 year old olive trees and beautifully preserved art and architecture that has withstood many years. Entrance is free, but please leave a donation at the church. The grounds are very serene. You can walk around the gardens and see their impressive establishment. Some of the electricity is produced from solar panels. The priest was very friendly and spoke perfect English, and good German. No photos allowed in the church. Beware if you have bee allergies, as they’re all over this area. Local honey and olive oil available for purchase for very fair prices. You can park nearby.

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