The picturesque Greek island of Rhodes is considered to be "the pearl of the Mediterranean". The stunning beauty of landscapes, magnificent beaches with crystal-clear water, and, of course, a rich cultural and historical heritage attract to the island a huge number of tourists from all over the world.

Famous Sunny Rhodes and many beautiful churches and monasteries. One of the most important religious shrines of Rhodes is undoubtedly an active monastery Moni Thari. It is located in a wonderfully picturesque place about 40 km to the South from the island's capital and just a few kilometres from a small village Lerma. The monastery is securely hidden from prying eyes in the dense forest, and it is not visible from the main road. In the middle ages the location was extremely convenient, because there was the constant threat of pirate attack, actively hunted in the coastal waters of Rhodes.

According to one local legend, the temple was built here in the 9th century by decree of terminally ill Byzantine Princess, miraculously cured as soon as the construction was completed. Some fragments of the original Church survived to our days. On the whole monastery complex that we see today dates mostly 12-13 centuries and is one of the oldest temples on the island.

Of particular interest is the interior of the main Catholicon of the monastery, nave, apse and dome of which is covered with beautiful old frescoes. The oldest works date from the early 12th century and are of high artistic and historical value.

Today Moni Thari is recognized as one of the most significant Byzantine monuments of the island of Rhodes.