One of the main attractions of the Greek island of Chios, undoubtedly, is the convent of Agios Minas. It sits atop a picturesque hill near the small village of Neohori about 9 km from the homonymous capital of the island.

The monastery of Agios Minas was built in 1572-1595, and initially functioned as a monastery. The cloister was founded by Reverend Neofitos Comansa and his son Minas during the reign of Patriarch Jeremiah II. In the days of domination on the island of the Ottoman Empire in the monastery ran a school. Famous for the monastery and its magnificent library.

The monastery of Agios Minas has a special meaning for the Greeks. 1822 to Chios became really "black". In retaliation for what the island's residents supported the fighters for the independence of Greece (although, in fairness it should be noted that not all hissy supported this fight, fearing to lose their over a significant privileges), Turks inflicted all over the island the massacre that went down in world history as "Chios massacre". Taken refuge in the monastery of the inhabitants of Chios (mostly women, children and old men) here and found their last resting place. In April 1822 in the walls of the monastery were killed over 3000 people.

After almost two centuries, traces of blood still remained on the stone floor of the Church as a silent testimony to the reckless human cruelty. In the courtyard of the monastery today you can see the so-called "Mausoleum of 40 martyrs", which holds the remains of the victims of the unfortunate events.

In 1932, the cloister was converted into a convent. Today in the monastery of Agios Minas is home to only 11 nuns.