Destination Kefalonia

A men’s monastery, that according to tradition was established in the 13th century by Saint Francis of Assisi during a crusade in Kefalonia. It is believed that the word Sissia is a paraphrase of the word Assisi. The notable icons found in the monastery –painted by famous artists of the Seven Islands- are now kept at the Ecclesiastical Museum of Saint Andrew Monastery, one of them being the Icon of the “Akathist Hymn” painted by the famous artist Stefanos Tzagarolas.
A few meters away from the monastery you can find the demolished pre-earthquake temple, where you can get walking down the little road on the left of the entrance. There, you will find the remnants of this magnificent temple with the characteristic architecture, framed by the vivid green of the high trees of the forest surrounding the temple. At this spot you can relax enjoying the peace of the landscape, while if you decide to head further down you will reach the enchanting Paradisi beach.
At the monastery a celebration is held on Saturday of the Akathist Hymn and the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman. During this celebration, the icon is brought back from Saint George’s Castle, where it has been taken on Sunday of Thomas.