It is located on the southwestern edge of the island and there is access only through a dirt road. It is an impressive complex –although uninhabited. Around the katholikon there are 48 cells. The initial building dates back to the 15th century (even though there have been many retrofits). It was a dependency of the monastery of Patmos. How did it take its unusual name? The local legend has it that once, while in a festival, pirates came and mingled with the celebrators. When the latter realized who the former were, they rushed into the church. As the civilians were enclosed within the katholikon, they prayed to Agios Ioannis in order to be saved and he “ironed” the door (that is why the name “Siderianos” ), thus the pirates did not manage to enter.
Milos Agios Ioannis Siderianos
