Panagia Spiliani
The Virgin Mary of the Cave
Useful Information
History
Description
The monastery of Panagia Spiliani (The Virgin Mary of the Cave), offers a
spectacular views on the ancient ruins of the old town of Pythagoreon and the
nearby Turkish coast.
95 steps lead down into a huge cave with a cave church inside, dedicated to
Virgin Mary.
It contains an old tile icon called Panagia Kaliarmenissa (the good
traveller).
This name is explained by the following legend.
Some strangers stole the icon and took it to their home town, but when taking it
out of the boat, the icon fell into the sea and broke into five pieces.
After a long time the icon returned to Samos island, carried by the sea.
The inhabitants were pleased to put it back to its old position.
See also
