Nestled near Rhodes, this ancient holy site is renowned globally for its miraculous icon of the Virgin of Tsambika. Yearly, countless women grappling with infertility journey here to seek a child’s blessing from the Virgin Mary.
The monastery’s founding date remains a mystery, with only evidence of an 18th-century restoration. Engravings from 1693, credited to patron Hieromonk Gavriil, adorn the iconostasis, while post-Byzantine fresco remnants grace the inner walls.
The Tsambika Monastery on the island of Rhodes is shrouded in tales that are hard to believe, yet the numerous miracles occurring there lend credence to the possible. There are a couple of theories regarding the origin of its name. The first links «Tsambika» to the ancient word «sabum», suggesting an old ship, and considering the site resembles a buoy, a maritime connection is plausible. However, some historians argue that the name derives from «tsampa», a local term signifying spark and flame. This explanation is more widely accepted due to its association with the legend of the temple’s establishment.
The origins of the Holy Virgin’s icon on Rhodes remain shrouded in mystery. It’s speculated to have arrived during the 15th century. Some believe it was brought over by an unknown traveler, while others insist it manifested atop a hill by divine means. Regardless of its origins, a local shepherd was drawn by an odd flickering light on a hillside. Gathering his neighbors, they ascended the hill to investigate the persistent glow. To their astonishment, they found a tiny icon of the Virgin Mary, no bigger than a hand, with a candle burning brightly before it, all shielded by a cypress branch.
Initially, the sacred icon resided atop a hill. However, officials from Cyprus soon arrived to claim it for its supposed owner. Despite multiple attempts to transfer it to Cyprus, the icon mysteriously reappeared on the hill each time. The locals saw this as a divine signal and erected a small church in honor of the Virgin Mary on that spot. Since then, the icon has remained on Rhodes, undisturbed.
Initially, locals observed that women who prayed to the sacred icon for offspring were soon blessed with children. Word of this miracle spread throughout Europe. A skeptical pasha, whose wife was unable to conceive, decided to take her to Rhodes to test the veracity of these tales. To his surprise, his wife did become pregnant and gave birth to a son. The pasha’s doubts about the child being his vanished only when the newborn boy was found clutching a wick, which the mother had consumed during her prayers before the icon.
The Tsambika Monastery is a quaint Byzantine church adorned with shells inside and pebbles outside, typical of the Dodecanese architectural style, including hollow tiles. The floors within and the courtyard are also embellished with pebbles and shells.
The church’s cornerstone is the venerated silver-plated icon of the Virgin Mary, situated in a special corner south of the iconostasis. Known as a guardian of childbirth, women come here to ask for fertility blessings, leaving offerings and handmade wax figurines of children. Although an exact replica of the icon stands in the Moni Tsambika up the hill, the original is kept in the Kato Tsambika church at the hill’s base.
Many couples have successfully conceived a child after visiting a particular monastery. According to local legend, parents should name boys «Tsambikos» and girls «Tsambika» if they were conceived following prayers to the icon there. The southern wall of the monastery features an exquisite gilded icon of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary from 1898, believed to be crafted by Nisirius Lazaros. The sanctuary’s intricately carved wooden iconostasis, likely from the late 18th century, is a masterpiece of visual art. The depiction of Christ on it is estimated to be from around 1886, while the Annunciation and Michael Simaios are thought to be from a year earlier.
This quaint monastery is easy to navigate. Upon entry, you have the option to light a candle on the right before praying before the sacred icons.
Situated about 25 kilometers south of Rhodes City, nestled between Kolimbia and Archangelos, it sits atop a hill named after itself at an elevation of 300 meters. Reach the sanctuary by ascending 300 steps up the hillside. At the summit, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking panorama of the sea and surrounding nature, offering an awe-inspiring experience from the very first moment.
