In its heyday, this monastery housed over 150 monks. It served as a Greek learning centre during the Ottoman occupation  (when formal Greek education was prohibited and monasteries often served as secret Greek schools).

Situated near the village of Dafia, it has also functioned as an Orthodox Church retirement centre.

When we visited we got the impression that the monastery had been almost forgotten – apart from the occassional tourist that wanders through.

However we have sinced learned that the place is still an important spiritual center on the island with a museum, a library and social services, and that overnight stays are possible.