Filerimos Monastery Travel Guide

Filerimos Monastery, situated on Filerimos Hill near Ialyssos, Rhodes, is a captivating site where history, spirituality, and nature converge. The hill, rising 267 meters, was once the acropolis of the ancient city of Ialyssos. The site's history spans from ancient times to the Knights of St. John and Ottoman rule, with each era leaving its mark.Originally, the hill was a place of worship in ancient times, with a temple dedicated to Athena Polias. In the early Christian period, a basilica was built, followed by a cross-shaped baptistery. The Knights of St. John constructed the monastery in the 15th century, housing the icon of the Virgin Mary. The monastery was built in a Gothic style, which makes it stand out from other Greek monasteries. The monastery was destroyed during the Turkish occupation but was restored by the Italians in the 1920s. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the ancient acropolis, the Doric fountain, and the reconstructed church with its mosaic decorations and chapels.A path from the monastery leads to a large cross, erected by the Italians in 1930, offering panoramic views of the island, including the airport, nearby villages, and the Turkish coast. The "Road to Golgotha," features shrines depicting the Passion of Christ. Peacocks roam freely on the grounds, adding to the serene atmosphere.