Page 126 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Greek Islands

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NÉA MONÍ

ΝÉΑ ΜΟVΉ

⌂ 15 km (9 miles) W of Híos Town § 22710 79370 @
EXPERIENCE The Northeast Aegean Islands art. Prior to the Ottoman massacre of 1822, this monastery was one
# 8am–1pm & 4:30pm–sunset daily
The monastery of Néa Moní is a World Heritage Site, listed and best
known for its mosaics, which are spectacular examples of Byzantine
of the richest and most powerful in the Aegean islands.

Hidden in a wooded valley 15 km (9 miles) west of Híos town,
Néa Moní and its mosaics – some of Greece’s finest – date from
HIDDEN GEM
Cistern Complex
the 11th century. The monastery was established by Byzantine
Emperor Constantine IX Monomahos in 1042 on the site where
A key part of Néa Moni's
three hermits found an icon of the Virgin hanging from a tree.
infrastructure, the
Built in the cross-in-a-square architectural style, Néa Moní has a
cistern, or kinsterna,
is a well-preserved
domed church, or katholikon. Granted a number of privileges,
underground complex
of marble columns,
tax exemptions and land, Néa Moní at one time controlled a
arches and vaults,
third of the land on Híos and reached the height of its power
which was designed number of buildings within a defensive wall, including the main
after the fall of the Byzantine Empire. It remained influential
to collect and hold rain until the Greek War of Independence, when a horrific massacre
water for the monks. occurred. Néa Moní has now been a convent for decades, but
when the last nun dies it is to be taken over again by monks.

The belfry is a
modern structure,
added after the
1881 earthquake.

Well-preserved Néa Moní,
constructed in the
octagonal church style

A detail of one of the
fine mosaics, showing
the Descent into Limbo

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