Saint Irene Monastery

The Holy Monastery of Saint Irene in Andros

The Holy Monastery of Saint Irene was founded in 1780 in the area of Archontas of Apoikia, by two monk brothers from Apoikia with the surname Spyridou. During the heyday, it functioned as a nunnery. However, the monastery was dissolved in 1833, with the decree of the regency of Othona, which demanded the dissolution of orthodox monasteries with limited fraternity, about a thousand throughout Greece, and the appropriation of their property. Over the years, the spaces around the temple collapsed, but the temple remained having suffered similar damages.

The Monastery of Saint Irene today

In 2006, captain Eleftherios Polemis bought the 13-acre estate, which included the ruined monastery. Within a period of 10 years he and his family restored the buildings of the monastery, fully respecting their original structure and maintained the Church.

Today, the monastery has a new purpose. During the summer season it hosts the camps of children from various institutions. Also, the following museum collections operate throughout the year:

• History of writing (Michael Kairis collection)
• Traditional musical instruments
• Geological collection of Spyros Bella (rocks and minerals)
• Botanical collection of Elli Mandaraka - Stamatiadou

During your visit to the monastery, it is worth paying attention to the temple, basilica with a dome made of slate with arches and groined vaults inside. Pay attention to the dome, which is based on the triangular hemispheres. You will see the floor with the two-headed eagle and the marble iconostasis of 1806, which has floral decoration. Immediately afterwards you will proceed to the museum collections. Finally, it is certain that you will admire the wonderful view of Chora and the endless blue of the sea.

The Monastery celebrates on May 5 and July 28.