Panagia Tsambika Monastery

Panagia Tsambika, also known as Kyra Psili, is a significant pilgrimage site in the Dodecanese region, attracting numerous devoted visitors annually. Situated atop Zambyki hill, at an elevation of 287 meters, the Monastery of Panagia Tsambika offers breathtaking views upon reaching it, despite the slight fatigue from climbing the 300 steps.
The origin of the nickname “Tsambika” is believed to be derived either from the hill’s name or from the local dialect word “tsamba,” meaning flame, which is connected to the religious tradition of discovering the icon of the Virgin Mary. The exact date of the Temple’s construction remains unknown, but an inscription indicates that the iconostasis was created in 1693 by the monk Gabriel. The monastery still preserves wall paintings from the post-Byzantine era.
Panagia Tsambika is revered as the patroness of childbearing, with numerous miracles attributed to her in helping childless couples conceive. In gratitude, newborns are named Tsambika or Tsambikos, depending on their gender, as a tribute to her. This unique name is exclusive to the island of Rhodes.