Moni Profiti Ilia: Santorini's Summit Sanctuary

Moni Profiti Ilia, standing 565 meters above sea level on Mount Profitis Ilias, is an iconic landmark offering sweeping views of Santorini. Established in 1711 by monks Joachim and Gabriel, the monastery was built in the style of a fortress to protect from pirate attacks.For over a century, Moni Profiti Ilia thrived as a cultural, educational, and economic center. It operated a school that preserved Greek language and literature during Ottoman rule and even possessed its own ship for trade across the Aegean and Mediterranean. The monastery used its wealth to fund various charitable endeavors.While the monastery began to decline after 1860, it has been partially restored following damage from the 1956 earthquake. Today, visitors can admire the impressive bell tower and explore the surrounding chapels. Although the monastery itself is often closed to the public, the monks still reside there, producing wine and other goods available for purchase. The site provides an unparalleled vantage point, offering views of the entire island and, on clear days, even the mountains of Crete.