Monastery of Saint Nectarios

The Monastery of Saint Nectarios (Agios Nektarios), nestled in the lush Kryoneri area, 34 km from Rhodes Town and just 1 km away from the charming Archipoli, is a peaceful religious site worth visiting.

Upon your arrival, one of the first things you will notice is the enormous plane tree, believed to be thousands of years old. Its hollow trunk is large enough to step inside, making it a remarkable sight to behold. Based on the local tradition, this is also the place where the Apostle Paul once preached, adding a deeper spiritual dimension to the setting. Close by, a small fountain continuously flows with fresh spring water, inviting visitors to pause and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

According to the Holy Metropolis of Rhodes, the site’s origins date back to 1966, when a small monastery was built by the family of Kyriakos Kostomoiris as an offering of gratitude to Agios Nektarios for the miraculous healing of their son. As the number of pilgrims and visitors steadily increased, the original structure was replaced in 1970 by the larger monastery seen today, distinguished by its impressive dome and bell tower.

The beautifully maintained courtyard, filled with trees and flowers, creates a calm setting for reflection and relaxation. A small monastic presence remains, with two nuns residing in simple quarters that preserve the spiritual character of this pilgrimage destination. Inside, the monastery is richly decorated with detailed frescoes, rare icons, and a finely carved wooden iconostasis, while sacred relics of Saint Nectarios are also kept here.

Popular among locals, the monastery is frequently chosen for weddings and baptisms. Each year on November 9th, the feast day of Agios Nektarios, a large Divine Liturgy attracts many faithful visitors, reinforcing its place as a key cultural and spiritual landmark on the island.