Monastery of Moundon

The Holy Monastery of Moundon is a historic monastic complex dedicated to Saint John the Forerunner. Located in the Amani area, it is the most important monastery after Nea Moni. Its foundation likely dates to Byzantine times. The monastery flourished in the late Ottoman period and is considered one of Chios’s most significant religious institutions. It had an important library, where a 1462 parchment with the will of Saint Matrona of Chios was kept. The church’s folk-style painting is noteworthy. The complex comprises the katholikon, chapels, cells, the refectory, and the vaulted entrance. Its recorded history begins in 1574, when it was renovated by Hieromonk Iakovos Lagadiotis. Distinguished Chians settled and lived here, taking special interest in its iconography. Unfortunately, all the frescoes were destroyed in the 1881 earthquake. In 1822 the monastery was destroyed by the Turks and later rebuilt.