Nea Moni Monastery

About

Nea Moni of Chios is an impressive 11th‑century Byzantine monastery perched on the volcanic slopes of Mount Provatio in the island’s interior, about 15 km from the town of Chios. The complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, showcases the finest examples of Macedonian‑Renaissance mosaics that adorn the katholikon and its side chapels. Rich in history, it was founded by Emperor Constantine IX in 1045 and later expanded by his successor, Basil I. After centuries of plague, earthquake, and Ottoman siege, the monastery survived, becoming a vibrant monastic community again in the 20th century. Visitors can wander the beautifully preserved nave, the well‑illustrated dining hall, the small museum opened in 1992, and the serene cloister and underground cistern. The museum’s collection of liturgical objects and the monastery’s tranquil atmosphere make Nea Moni a must‑visit for lovers of Byzantine art, architecture, and religious history.