By Nicolas Bard

Panagia Kakaviotissa is a special chapel of Lemnos, built in a rocky cave in the barren mountain of Kakavos, near the village of Thanos, and is dedicated to the Assumption of Theotokos. It is the only example of worshiping space in the world without roof, having the rock itself as a natural cover.

This picturesque and special chapel is related to monks of the Simon Petra Monastery of Mount Athos, who settled on the island during the Turkish occupation. According to local tradition, the last monk allegedly abandoned Lemnos to settle on Mount Athos. Prior to his departure, however, he entrusted the image of the Virgin Mary to a resident of the area, who belonged to the Mumtzi family and came from the village of Kontia. The icon of the Virgin Mary, kept to date by the descendants of Mumtzis, is transferred every year by Kontia to the chapel for the unique operation of the year.

The chapel is perched on a rough spot, in the arms of a cave. It has no roof and its walls maintain a simple but imposing style. It is essentially a small, two -legged temple with a rectangular plan and a total area of ​​18.36 sq.m. Its white walls are height ranging from 1.01 to 1.97 meters and thick from 0.48 to 0.67 meters. They are built with raw and partially processed local gray stones and limestone. The temple is attached to the rock on the east side, while the remaining three sides are free. The sanctuary is separated from the main space with a transverse stone wall that functions as a iconostasis. The view from the chapel to the surrounding area and the Aegean is immersive.

The only Divine Liturgy performed in this chapel takes place every year on Tuesday of the Intercellular, a few days after Easter. The icon of Our Lady returns to the temple for one day, attracting faithful and visitors from all over the island. Access is through a dirt road and after a hiking of about 20-30 minutes. The route goes uphill in rocky landscape, so it is advisable to be properly prepared. Panagia Kakaviotissa is an important cultural and religious symbol of Lemnos. Its special character has captivated the interest of pilgrims, travelers and photographers from around the world.

Although it is a simple and simple building, with no striking decoration or rare ecclesiastical relics, the energy that exudes the whole space is unique and you will feel it once you finish uphill and see this white chapel for the first time, which is like the other. This is a unique experience to experience at least once in your life.