Panagia Kakaviotisa (Church), Limnos

Limnos is not a spectacular island, not at all. She is clean-cut, rugged and simple, and she gives you breathing room and time to think. If hiking is one of your preferences, the rocky nature of the island provides an ideal environment in which to hike.

I wanted to stay close to the capital, Myrina, so I heard about a secluded chapel that is just 4 km away from the town. Panagia Kakaviotisa is one of the many so-called “Metohia”, or monastery farms that are related to Mount Athos – the Holy Mountain. It was named after Mount Kakavos, that has provided security, and a “home”, since 1305 when the monks tried to find shelter. Supposedly, it is the only outdoor church in the world.

The road signs leading to that place made it easier to find than I expected, and the scenery proved to be as fierce as I wanted. After reaching the place, you will part with your means of transportation and surrender yourself to the hands of the winds and the dry, but dynamic, 20-minute route that takes you up to 1300m. The boulders are chiseled by nature in a marvelous manner, an example of elaborate natural wonders that illustrate the volcanic identity of this island.

You can enjoy the view of the plains in the eastern side of the island and take a small taste of the magical beaches of this place. You can view St. Paul’s Cove and Moudros, the second biggest town of Limnos, and before you know it you will see a big cross mounted on the top of a natural ledge that stands above the church.

And there it lies, inside a natural cavity in the rock formation, a small outdoor chapel surrounded by small, azure wooden furniture. Without hiding any of its secrets from the visitor, this chapel is one of the most unique places of worship in the planet. The people carefully chose that exact location to create a place to connect with God. The unique architecture and the overall serenity of this place is in total accord with the pristine, natural beauty of the mountain.