Fortified monastery, built in at least two phases, located at the north-western flank of Mt. Koukoúla rising above the Vathýs valley.

Castle Description

General description
The fortified monastery of Kyra Psili – “hidden in the mountains”– is situated in front of the entrance of a cave on a rock face of Mt. Koukoúla. It was supposed to have been a medieval Byzantine castle before (cf. Spiteri 1994, p. 221, after Paradissis 1976). According to the Kalymnian archaeologist Michael J. Koutellas (2006), it was built in the 18th century.
At least two construction phases are recognizable on the defensive wall: Under the whitewash of the later raised wall with rounded “Turkish” merlons one can see older swallowtail merlons. Above the small round arch gate consoles of a box-machicoulation are preserved.
Probably the monastery was built in the 18th century within an older fortification. In the second half of the 20th century there were building alterations and additions partly in concrete.

Access (route / entrance)
By car: Follow the Vathýs valley up to the crossroad next to Byzantine Agioii Theodori Church, turn right, follow the road to the Stavros chapel, park there (end of the street) and walk on the Monopati to the monastery (in some passages you have to be vertigo-free). The monastery castle can only be seen shortly before reaching.
On foot: Over the monopati from Platanos (entry at the Plateia next to the former tavern “Platanos”) you come across the road (walk on sight).

Other Info

Sources