The Monastery of Ypsilou, or Moni Ipsilou, is a tranquil oasis of greenery located 634 meters above sea level on the western side of the Greek island of Lesbos. It is an impressive sight, with views stretching from the petrified forest to the seaside town of Sigri, and it is a popular tourist destination. Yet, it is also home to a family of cats who live in their own peaceful world.
The history of the monastery is steeped in mystery. It is believed that the building was founded in the 7th century by a monk who fled from Syria, but very little is known about its early history. By the end of the Byzantine period, the monastery was abandoned and destroyed. In the 16th century, it was restored and flourished for some time, until it was consumed by fire and rebuilt again.
Today, the monastery provides a safe haven for the cats of Lesbos. The felines enjoy the sunshine and quietness of their remote home, although they can be disturbed by the voices of tourists during the peak season of July and August. The cats also have access to drinking water from the fountain in the courtyard, and the newborns are particularly lucky to live far away from any danger.
If you are interested in meeting the cats of Ypsilou, you can take a car up the steep and narrow road to the top of the dormant volcano Ordymnos, on which the monastery is built. Once there, you can explore the site and admire the views, and maybe even consider adopting one of the kittens. My boyfriend and I had even given them names – Ouzo, Mythos and Retisina – but they were still too young to be taken away from their mom.
The Monastery of Ypsilou is an interesting destination, and it can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby Petrified Forest Geopark and the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest in Sigri. All these attractions make Lesbos an ideal holiday destination, and the cats of Ypsilou will be waiting to welcome you with open paws!
The Monastery of Ypsilou is a stunning and mysterious site, located on the western side of the Greek island of Lesbos. It is believed to have been founded in the 7th century by a monk who fled from Syria, and it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, and it is also home to a family of cats who live in their own peaceful world.
The cats of Ypsilou are some of the luckiest on the island, as they live far away from any danger and have access to drinking water from the fountain in the courtyard. They enjoy the sunshine and quietness of their remote home, although they can be disturbed by the voices of tourists during the peak season of July and August. If you want to meet these cats in person, you can take a car up the steep and narrow road to the top of the dormant volcano Ordymnos and explore the monastery.
The Monastery of Ypsilou is an interesting destination, and it can easily be combined with a trip to the nearby Petrified Forest Geopark and the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest in Sigri. All these attractions make Lesbos an ideal holiday destination, and the cats of Ypsilou will be waiting to welcome you with open paws.
My boyfriend and I seriously considered adopting one or more of the kittens, but they were still too young to be transported let alone be taken away from their mom. We had even given them names – Ouzo, Mythos and Retisina – just like the Greek drinks. Will you be visiting the Monastery of Ypsilou on Lesbos island? Would you consider adopting Ouzo and his brothers and sisters?
The Monastery of Ypsilou is a unique and beautiful location, and it is well worth a visit. The cats of Ypsilou are friendly and curious, and they are sure to make your visit even more enjoyable. The monastery is an important part of the history of Lesbos, and its cats are a reminder of the peacefulness and tranquility of the site. If you are looking for a special holiday destination, then the Monastery of Ypsilou should be at the top of your list.
