The monastery was established in 1400 by a Nisyrian noble named Stilianos Kritsikis.
The sanctuary is split into two distinct parts: one dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin and the other to Agios Charalambos.
The icon of the Panagia Spiliani is believed by locals to have miraculous properties and is highly venerated.
The monastery complex serves as the site for major religious festivals, specifically the celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin on August 15th.
The site occupies the highest point of Mandraki, providing a strategic view of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding Dodecanese islands.
The building incorporates elements of the medieval castle built by the Knights Hospitaller, which sits adjacent to the monastery grounds.
The Virgin Mary Spiliani Monastery is a 14th-century religious complex built into a natural sea cave at the summit of a cliff overlooking Mandraki, Nisyros. Founded in 1400 by a local nobleman, the monastery is named after the Greek word 'spilia', meaning cave. The main sanctuary is located within the cavernous rock formation, while the exterior features a white-washed courtyard and a bell tower. The site houses a significant 18th-century icon of the Virgin Mary, known as the Panagia Spiliani. It remains the most important religious pilgrimage site on the island of Nisyros. The monastery is accessible via a stone staircase that winds up from the outskirts of Mandraki village.
The view from the monastery courtyard looking down over the white-washed buildings of Mandraki towards the sea.
Wear footwear with a good grip, as the stone steps and paths can be slippery.
Visit during the early morning to avoid the intense heat of the climb and potential midday crowds.
Bring a light cover-up or shawl, as the monastery maintains strict modest dress standards.
Do not take photographs of the altar or the iconostasis inside the sanctuary.
The monastery is busiest during the Feast of the Assumption in mid-August, which may impact general visitor access.
Shoulders and knees must be covered; silence is expected inside the cave chapel.
