Holy Monastery of Saint John the Theologian (Ypsilou Monastery)

The monastery stands in the island’s western part, atop Mount Ordymnos, and is dedicated to Saint John the Theologian. Because of its position it is better known as Moni Ypsilou. Tradition places its foundation in Byzantine times, before AD 800, by Saint Theophanes of Sigriani, according to a patriarchal letter of 1331. The monastery flourished in post-Byzantine times but was destroyed by fire. The existing katholikon was built in 1832 and is part of a typical monastic complex developing around it. Inside there is a library that preserves manuscript codices, patriarchal and metropolitan letters, wills and dozens of old books dating from 1535–1845. It also has a museum exhibiting valuable historical objects of art such as vestments, metropolitan staffs, reliquaries, gilded Gospels and many sacred vessels. The monastery gate remains closed from sunset until sunrise.