MONASTERY OF THEOTOKOS AGRILIA

Near Sami, the Monastery was built in the 18th century when the miraculous icon of Theotokos was found by two shepherds and their maid in 1722.

Following the discovery of the icon, they decided to live a monastic life. The monks Simon and Gabriel and the nun Pelagia were the first members of the Monastery. Saint Cosmas the Aetolian gave sermons here during his passage from Sami. The Monastery celebrates on 15th August when thousands of devout worshipers from all over Kefalonia and Ithaca make their pilgrimage. The second feastday is on the 24th August for Saint Kosmas Aitolos.

The destroyed Monastery of St Phanedon is located nearby where you can admire superb frescoes of the post Byzantine era. The miraculous icon of St Phanedon and the icon of the Virgin and Child are kept in the big new Church of the Virgin in Sami which has exceptional modern frescoes and a superb carved wood iconostasis.