The Monastery of Saint Markos stands on top of Mount Penthodos, about 15 km west of the capital of Chios. Its position near the city and natural fortress-like landscape has served defensive needs since ancient times. The area was known as Palaia Chora (old city) during the Genoese period, and maps of Chios note the existence of a fortress, indicating that it was once the island’s old capital. From 1866, the monk Parthenios lived here as a hermit and with the support of devout Christians, he built the church that we still see today, dedicated to the Apostle and Evangelist Mark.
When Parthenios died in 1883, the monk Gabriel succeeded him and built another church, dedicated to Saint Ioannis Chrysostomos that lies outside the enclosure of the monastery. He also constructed a large guesthouse, established a painting workshop, and enriched the library, turning the Monastery into an important religious and spiritual centre on Chios. The Monastery played a significant role during the island’s liberation from Turkish rule in 1912 and provided refuge for many during the expulsions of 1914 and the Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922.
Today, the Monastery’s tall bell tower, library, painting workshop, cells, and the church with the tomb of its founder, Saint Parthenios, remain intact. The iconostasis features an icon of Saint Mark, dating from around 1873, as well as various chapels and relics. The Monastery follows the Old Julian Orthodox calendar.
