This Byzantine monastery is located in “Katafigio”, on the north slope of mountain Gerakones at an altitude of 230 meters with a spectacular view to the villages of central Andros in the Mesaria valley till the sea. The monastery was built by the Byzantine emperor Nikiforos Fokas in 963 – 969 A.D. The Catholic part of the monastery consists of a cruciform temple with a dome and is dedicated to the assumption of Virgin Mary. In the monastery one can find the miraculous painting of Panachrantou, the masterpiece of Evangelist Loukas, as well as the Kara (=skull) of Saint Panteleimonas. The monastery also possesses an important collection of ancient codes and patriarchal sigils.
Today the place is almost deserted. Abbot Eudokimos still lives there and is always happy to welcome visitors. The monastery is near Ekso Vouni village and it celebrates every July 27th (Saint Panteleimonas day) and August 15th (Assumption).
