The monastery is located in the mountains, at an altitude of 412 m above sea level. Neophytos climbed this high to become a hermit, but soon he gained followers, so it was decided to build a monastery. This was back in the 12th century, but it is still active today. Monks live there, so when choosing clothing it is best to prefer the most modest garments possible, with shoulders and knees covered (especially for women).
The story of Neophytos the Hermit began when, at the age of 18, his parents decided to marry him off. The young man was категорически против and ran away from home. Having become a novice at the Monastery of St. John Chrysostom, Neophytos learned to read and write and worked hard. In his youth he dreamed of becoming a preacher, traveling to different countries, but the very first time he tried to leave the island, he ran into trouble. He took this as a sign from above and decided never to leave the island again.
At 25, he withdrew from worldly life and went up into the mountains. Neophytos found a cave suitable for himself and began to arrange his simple way of life. It took him a whole year to carve a small cell into the rock and make there something like a bed, a little table, and a place for prayer. Moreover, he even made a grave for himself in which he could be buried.
After several years, novices began to come to Neophytos. Soon there were so many of them that it became necessary to build a monastery. This amazing complex has survived to this day. Visitors can see ancient frescoes painted back in Neophytos's time, as well as icons and the relics of Saint Neophytos.
