Monastery of Kathara
The historical Monastery of the Panagia of Kathariotissa is situated at an altitude of 600m in the south-eastern side of the Homeric mountain of Niritos.
The Monastery is the protector saint of Ithaca, and Its location gives an amazing view of the island and the capital town, Vathi.
The life of the Monastery begins around 1696 but the history of the Icon of the Nativity of the Theotokos, to which the Monastery is dedicated, is even older and is shrouded within the age-old tradition of the island. The title “Kathariotissa” was received, according to tradition, because the Icon was discovered in the ash of the burning “kathara”, a word which in the local dialect is used for dry twigs and brush that are cut and burnt so as to clear an area.
The locals believe that the icon of Virgin Mary in this monastery has been painted by Saint Luke and that it is miraculous. Modest dressing is required when entering the monastery, which remains open to visitors from dawn till the late hours.