Nestled 7 km from Emponas village on Mount Attavyros' southeast side, at 550 meters elevation, lies the unique Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Artamitis Monastery. Long before Christianity’s reach, this site worshipped Artemis. In the 9th century, the sanctuary was reborn to honor John the Theologian. The monastery became a hub for intellectuals—scholars, writers, philosophers. Per historical texts by Nikiforos Belemidis, a 1234 conflict involving Andronikos Palaiologos and the Rhodes ruler Gavalas led to its looting, with invaders seizing icons and sacred writings.
During the era when the Knights Hospitaller held power, the monastery played a significant role within the Eastern Orthodox community. Notably, in the year 1422, it was visited by the Florentine clergyman, cartographer, and navigator Christopher Buondelmonti. For an extended period, the monastery operated under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchal Monastery of Patmos. Even during the Ottoman rule, despite its modest size, the monastery served as a sanctuary for the residents of nearby villages.
In the latter half of the 19th century, an extensive renovation of the Artamitis Monastery was initiated by Abbot Cyril of Lindos. The main church was reconstructed in 1859, followed by a major overhaul of the living quarters in 1862. The iconostasis took shape in 1870. Also, the monks' economic needs were addressed; an olive mill and oven were built within the monastery’s courtyard, and olive trees were planted around the perimeter.
Today, the building’s appearance is markedly different from its original form. Only a section of the north wing and the cathedral, a single-story basilica by design, remain from the original structure. Since 1990, additional cells and auxiliary spaces have been gradually added to support the monastery’s operations, situated to the north and west of the cathedral. The structure now stands out with its simplicity, diverging from the typical Byzantine monasteries of Greece. The central dome is painted a deep blue with white star speckles, a stark contrast to the traditional New Testament frescoes. The monastery’s crowning glory is a wooden carved screen adorned with saintly icons.
While the monastery lacks notable relics, it houses several unique icons that captivate visitors. A standout piece is an ornate, gilded icon of John the Evangelist, crafted in 1870 by Mikhail and Siuzis from wood. Currently, the monastery is home to three monks and their spiritual leader, Abbot Leontius. Together, they endeavor to maintain the building’s upkeep. Local residents, moved by their dedication, contribute timber, stone, and other essential building supplies and tools.
Exploring religious heritage is simplified with organized Orthodox tours that include this monastery. These tours offer a convenient solution to the often-tricky question of transportation. They also provide the added benefit of a guided experience through various sacred sites. For those traveling by car, use the Ialysos-Katavia route as your guide. It’s advisable to download navigation maps beforehand for a smoother journey.
