Kalamitsia Monastery: A Jesuit Retreat in Ruins

Kalamitsia Monastery, also called the Jesuit Palace, is a historical site located approximately 2 km from Melanes village and 9 km southeast of Naxos Town (Chora). Constructed between 1679 and 1683 by the Jesuit monk Roberto Sauze, the monastery was built upon the ruins of an older Venetian mansion. It served as a summer retreat for Jesuit monks until around 1773 before being occupied by other Catholic orders.The monastery's design showcases a blend of French Baroque and local architectural elements. The two-story structure includes ancillary buildings such as stables, laundry rooms, and a dovecote. Visitors can explore the grounds, discovering gardens, cisterns, and a central staircase that once led to a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Natural water springs still flow through the monastery, highlighting its advanced irrigation system for the time.Today, Kalamitsia Monastery stands largely unrestored, providing an authentic, albeit precarious, experience. Recent efforts have begun to preserve this unique historical monument. Visitors should exercise caution due to loose stones, fallen walls and debris. Despite its ruined state, the monastery retains its beauty and grandeur, offering a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Naxos' rich cultural heritage.