Σπηλια Ο 'Αγ Γιαννης Καστρι

On the northern coast of Skopelos is a small island, formed when part of the cliff fell into the sea. The villagers have built a small chapel and christened it with the name "St. John the Beheaded".

To the west of the chapel there is a small stone wall, the other side of which is a steep and narrow path leading down to the hermitage. There, underneath a large stone is a cave, where an unknown Christian led a hermit's life. Every year on the 29 August, Mass is celebrated in the chapel to commemorate the life of St John the Beheaded.

Text by Tony Oldham (2002). With kind permission.