Nea Moni of Chios Monastery

The monastic complex of Nea Moni of Chios was founded in the mid-11th century with imperial patronage. Its foundation is linked to a monastic tradition according to which, at the site where the Katholikon was built, three Chian ascetics found a miraculous icon of the Virgin hanging from a myrtle branch. The complex is enclosed by high walls and follows the typical layout of Byzantine monasteries: in the center the Katholikon, and nearby the Refectory for communal dining under the cenobitic rule. The remaining space is occupied by other communal buildings and, mainly, by cell wings of the 17th–19th centuries. Today the Katholikon, the cistern, the tower, part of the Refectory, and the church of Saint Luke are preserved. The Katholikon is dedicated to the Virgin and celebrates on 23 August. Nea Moni is a UNESCO World Heritage monument.