Description of the attraction
The picturesque Greek island of Rhodes is rightfully considered the "pearl of the Mediterranean". Stunning landscapes, magnificent beaches with crystal-clear waters, and, of course, a rich cultural and historical heritage annually attract a huge number of tourists to the island from all over the world.
Sunny Rhodes is famous for its many beautiful churches and monasteries. One of the most important religious shrines in Rhodes is undoubtedly the active monastery of Moni Tari. It is located in an amazingly picturesque place about 40 km south of the capital of the island and just a few kilometers from the small village of Laerma. The monastery is reliably hidden from prying eyes among a dense forest and is not visible from the main road. In the Middle Ages, this location was extremely convenient, since there was a constant threat of attack by pirates who actively hunted in the coastal waters of Rhodes.
According to one of the local legends, the temple was erected here in the 9th century by order of a terminally ill Byzantine princess, who miraculously recovered as soon as the construction was completed. Some fragments of the original temple have survived to this day. In general, the monastery complex, which we see today, dates back mainly to the 12-13th centuries and is one of the oldest temples on the island.
Of particular interest is the interior decoration of the main catholicon of the monastery, the nave, apse and dome of which are covered with magnificent ancient frescoes. The most ancient works date back to the beginning of the 12th century and are of high artistic and historical value.
Today the Moni Tari monastery is recognized as one of the most significant Byzantine monuments on the island of Rhodes.
