The Monastery of Faneromeni

The Monastery of Faneromeni is the most important religious monument of Lefkada Island. It is also considered one of the most important monastery of all Greece. Located just a few Kilomenters from its capital, it is set out on the slopes of a green hill. It stands behind the beach of Agios Ioannis as a white hiddem gem, from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views over Lefkada Town, the lagoon and the Castle, the beach of Aigios Ioannis and the opposite coasts of Mainland Greece.

History of the Faneromeni Monastery

The Monastery stands on the site where previously an ancient temple dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of Hunting, was in place.

According to the tradition this area is where the students of Apostle Pavlos, who arrived first in the island, gathered the inhabitants and preached the Christianism, creating the first place for prayer.

In the years of Konstantinos the Great, the so called 5 Fathers arrived together with the Bishop Agatharchos. Two of them settled in the Monastery and three of them in the Hermitage of Holy Fathers (outside Alexandros village). The Fathers constructed the first cells, extended the church and organized the monasticism of Lefkada.

During the 18th century, under the Venetian rule, the monastery of Faneromeni took its final shape. Unfortunately, two fires burnt it down. That is why, from the late 19th century, the monastery was reconstructed again and again.

Together with the main church, the Monastery hosts  an interesting Ecclesiastical Museum, with rare Byzantine icons and old manuscripts. Inside the building of the Monastery there is also a naval museum with miniature models of ships and other navy objects.  In the courtyard finally there is  a little “zoo” where the monks take care of various animals ( locals and exotic).

The icon of Panagia Faneromeni

In the church of the Monastery there is an image of the Vergin Mary called Panagia Faneromeni. This is the copy of a sacred icon.  According to the tradition, infact, the original  icon was the result of a miracle. It was revealed as a “God made icon” (was not made by human) to the monk and hagiographer Kallistos, after his prayer. For this reason, the monastery brings the name of Faneromeni ( Panagia = Vergin Mary, Faneromeni =the revealed).