Sissia Monastery (Moni Sission) - Image 1
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Sissia Monastery (Moni Sission)

4.2
·39 reviews·, Greece

Explore the 13th-century ruins of Sissia Monastery, a historical gem undergoing restoration, offering stunning views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

May mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Sissia Monastery (Moni Sission) - Image 1

Sissia Monastery (Moni Sission)

Best Time

May mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the 13th-century ruins of Sissia Monastery, a historical gem undergoing restoration, offering stunning views.

4.2
(39 reviews)

"A fascinating historical site with impressive architecture and beautiful surrounding views."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path to the ruins is a rough dirt road. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk.

💧 Bring Water

Especially if walking from Lourdata beach, carry water as it can get warm and there are no facilities on the path.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Impressive Monastery Ruins

Impressive Monastery Ruins

Province of Leivathos, near Simotata

Explore the grand, ancient architecture of this 13th-century Catholic monastery, now a fascinating ruin.

Restoration in Progress

Restoration in Progress

Within the ruins

Witness ongoing restoration efforts, offering a unique glimpse into preserving this historical gem.

Scenic Views

Scenic Views

Path to the monastery

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Zakynthos across the sea and the imposing shadow of Mount Ainos.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Ruins

The old monastery is accessed via a walk from the modern monastery above. Expect a 300m trek down a rough dirt road, offering stunning views of Zakynthos and Mount Ainos. Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven terrain.

Restoration & Respect

The site is undergoing restoration, which is fascinating to witness. Visitors have reported positive interactions with the restoration team. However, be aware of the adjacent modern monastery and its residents; one review mentions a distressing incident involving an animal.

Best Times

When
May mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Shaded seating available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

⛪️ For 700 years, nuns living in this ancient monastery had a secret kitchen where they made the best cannolis (and pastries) in Sicily 🇮🇹 When you travel to Sicily, make sure to try the authentic sheep’s milk Cannolis! 🐏 traditional Sicilian cannolis are made with sheep’s milk ricotta which has a richer, creamier and tangier flavor than the regular Italian cannolis made with cows milk. 🗺️ The tr...
@winstonbutterfield
182K likes • 1.1M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path to the ruins is a rough dirt road. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk. Reddit

💧 Bring Water

Especially if walking from Lourdata beach, carry water as it can get warm and there are no facilities on the path. Reddit

I was genuinely overwhelmed with emotion when learning the story of St Peter’s monastery and the lone nun - Mother Abbess Maria. Further context: This is St. Peter’s Monastery, within the medieval walled city of Mdina, Malta, a convent with roots tracing back to the 15th century. It belongs to the Benedictine Order, where cloistered nuns vow never to leave the convent walls (except in necessity),...
@byjacklynn
49.1K likes • 377.3K views

📸 Capture the Views

The drive and walk offer stunning panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Don't forget your camera! Reddit

🥪 Pack a Picnic

There's a shaded seating area near the ruins, perfect for a relaxing lunch amidst the historical site. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path to the ruins is a rough dirt road. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for a safe and enjoyable walk. Reddit

💧 Bring Water

Especially if walking from Lourdata beach, carry water as it can get warm and there are no facilities on the path. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The drive and walk offer stunning panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Don't forget your camera! Reddit

🥪 Pack a Picnic

There's a shaded seating area near the ruins, perfect for a relaxing lunch amidst the historical site. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(39 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Sissia Monastery ruins to be a fascinating historical site with impressive architecture and beautiful surrounding views. The ongoing restoration efforts are noted as a positive aspect, offering a glimpse into preservation work. However, some reviews highlight a distressing incident involving an animal at the adjacent modern monastery, which has impacted the overall perception for some.

"I loved this ruined monastery which you can walk to and visit. We walked for about 40 mins each way from Lourdata beach but Sissia beach is much nearer. If you take the walk from Lourdata it is a partly shaded gravel path, no one around and such an amazing surprise to suddenly come to the ruins. On the day we visited (in May) the only other people were a group of people working on the reconstruction and we walked into the ruins and watched them at work and they said hello. It was great to see this place was being restored. It is a really quite big and grand and it would be shame to continue let it go to ruin.

Just outside the ruins was a covered seating area that was a bit worn out but such a welcome treat to sit down and have our lunch in the shade beside the restoration works (see photo).

We didn’t have time otherwise we would have carried on the path down to Sissia beach."

Sue Vogt-Skard

"This Monastery does not even deserve one star. The two monks, who live in the new Monastery situated above the old one, have a dog on a chain and mistreated the poor anxious dog. We brought him water. When one of the monks realised that we care for the dog, he shouted at us. The next day the dog was dead!!! The animal welfare thinks that he was poisened by the monks to not get any troubles. We informed the Police who now takes care of this horrible case."

Tina Zeilinger

"Ruins of an old monastery that enables you to see how life might have been for the monks.

Parking is at the modern monastery and then a walk of about 300m down a rough dirt road to reach the ruins.

The drive down gives you a fantastic view of Zakynthos across the sea. The whole site sits in the shadow of Mount Ainos."

Mark Careless

What People Like

Impressive ancient ruins
Scenic sea and mountain views
Witnessing restoration work

What People Dislike

Distressing animal welfare incident

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to drive to the modern Monastery of Sission, where parking is available. From there, it's a walk of about 300 meters down a rough dirt road to reach the old monastery ruins. Reddit

Yes, it's possible to walk from Lourdata beach, which takes about 40 minutes each way. The path is partly shaded and gravel. Sissia beach is much closer to the monastery. Reddit

The road leading to the modern monastery is generally accessible by car. However, the path from the modern monastery to the ruins is a rough dirt road, not suitable for all vehicles. Reddit

The monastery is located in the province of Leivathos, near the village of Simotata, just outside Argostoli. Follow signs for the Monastery of Sission. Reddit

Public transport options are limited. It's recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange a taxi to reach the vicinity of the modern monastery. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no mention of admission fees for the ruins. Entry is generally free, allowing visitors to explore the historical site. Reddit

As it is a ruin, there are no official opening hours. Visitors can typically access the site during daylight hours. Reddit

No, visitors can explore the ancient ruins without purchasing a ticket. Reddit

The ruins are accessible year-round, though weather conditions might affect the comfort of the walk. Reddit

There is no dedicated visitor center at the ruins. Information is primarily gained through exploration and signage. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the impressive ruins of a 13th-century Catholic monastery, witness ongoing restoration work, and enjoy scenic views of the sea and Mount Ainos. Reddit

The walk down a rough road and exploring ruins can be managed with children, but supervision is essential. The historical aspect might be more engaging for older children. Reddit

There are no facilities like restrooms or shops at the ruins themselves. A covered seating area is available for resting. Reddit

Founded in the 13th century, it was originally a Catholic monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, later becoming Orthodox. Tradition links its founder to Francis of Assisi. Reddit

Absolutely! The ancient architecture, surrounding landscape, and views make it a picturesque location for photographers. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The monastery is in a somewhat remote area. You'll find dining options closer to Lourdata beach or in nearby villages like Simotata. Reddit

There are no restaurants within the ruins. However, visitors often bring their own food and enjoy picnics in the shaded seating area. Reddit

Tavernas and restaurants are available in the coastal village of Lourdata, offering local Kefalonian cuisine. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own snacks and drinks is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend time exploring or walking from further away. Reddit

Cafes are more commonly found in the nearby villages and beach areas rather than directly at the monastery site. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the weathered stone arches, the scale of the ruins against the natural landscape, and the panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the ancient stones. Reddit

Yes, visitors have observed and photographed the restoration efforts. It adds a unique dimension to the site's story. Reddit

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones. It's advisable to check local drone laws and be respectful of the site and any ongoing work. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the ruins and landscapes. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Sissia Monastery can be an interesting outing for families, offering a chance to explore historical ruins and enjoy scenic views. The walk down the rough dirt road requires sturdy shoes for children, and close supervision is essential. While the historical significance might be more appreciated by older children, the adventure of exploring ruins can be engaging for younger ones. Consider packing snacks and water, as facilities are limited. Reddit

🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers

For those who enjoy a bit of exploration, the walk to Sissia Monastery is a pleasant experience. You can choose to walk from the modern monastery above (a shorter, rougher path) or embark on a longer, partly shaded walk from Lourdata beach. The natural surroundings, including views of Mount Ainos and the sea, add to the appeal. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry water, especially during warmer months. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Sissia Monastery offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. The ancient architecture, with its weathered stones and arches, provides excellent subjects. The surrounding landscape, including the sea views and the silhouette of Mount Ainos, adds to the visual appeal. The ongoing restoration work also presents unique shots, capturing the blend of old and new. Golden hour light can enhance the textures and atmosphere of the ruins. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Monastery of Sission is one of Kefalonia's oldest religious sites, with its origins tracing back to the 13th century. Originally established as a Catholic monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it later transitioned to Orthodox faith and continues its religious significance today. Legend even suggests Francis of Assisi himself may have been involved in its founding, adding a layer of mystique to its already rich history. The impressive architecture of the ruins, even in their current state, speaks volumes about the monastery's past grandeur and its importance in the region's spiritual and cultural landscape. Reddit

The Restoration Project

A significant aspect of visiting Sissia Monastery is witnessing the ongoing restoration efforts. This work is crucial for preserving the integrity of the ancient structures and ensuring that future generations can appreciate this historical treasure. Visitors have reported encountering the restoration team on-site, providing a unique opportunity to see preservation in action. This active involvement in saving the monastery adds a dynamic and hopeful element to the experience, transforming it from a static ruin into a living testament to historical preservation. Reddit

Navigating the Terrain

Accessing the Sissia Monastery ruins involves a walk from the modern monastery located above. The path is described as a rough dirt road, approximately 300 meters long. This terrain requires sturdy footwear, so leave the flip-flops behind and opt for comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The walk itself offers rewarding panoramic views, including vistas of the island of Zakynthos across the sea and the imposing presence of Mount Ainos. Reddit

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