At a distance of about 15 kilometers from Vathi, the capital of Ithaca, we encounter the Monastery of Kathara, known as Panagia at Kathara. The Monastery was built in the end in the 17th century.
According to tradition the name comes from the word “kathara”, which in the local dialect means the dried branches and the small bushes that are cut and burned when clearing up an area. Since the sacred icon of the Nativity of Virgin Mary was found miraculously inside burning “kithara” they gave the monastery this name.
The view of Itaca and Kefalonia from this point is unique, especially during the time that the sun sets behind Fiskardo in Kefalonia.
The monastery celebrates on the 8th of September. The previous day, on the 7th of September, there is a traditional festival, while the following day there is a procession of the miraculous icon until the bell tower.
Informations
Additional
Date:
End of the 17th century
Celebrates:
8 September, Λειτουργία της Αγάπης - Κυριακή του Πάσχα
Holy Metropolis:
Lefkada and Ithaca
Address:
Ithaca 28300
