Ano Mera is located almost in the heart of the island, just 8 kilometers away from the capital of Mykonos, Chora. With a population of 1,459 inhabitants, Ano Mera is the picturesque village one will encounter on the way to the northeastern beaches. It stands out not only for its classic Cycladic beauty but also for its charming alleys and traditional tavernas.

In Ano Mera, one of the most important attractions of the entire island is located: the historic monastery of Panagia Tourliani, built in the 15th century. The all-white monastery stands right in front of the village’s central square. Around this monastery, the main settlement of Ano Mera has developed. The square, which was pedestrianized in 2001, is surrounded by traditional cafes and tavernas, famous for their excellent quality Mykonian meats on the spit and grill. Apart from the Mykonian meats, the spicy cheese that accompanies the exquisite local mezes is also well-known. In the village, one can find the kopanisti workshop, which holds all the secrets of making this spicy cheese.

So if you find yourself in this village, don’t hesitate to ‘get lost’ in its picturesque alleys and don’t forget to try homemade local recipes. It will be like visiting a ‘different’ Mykonos for a while..!

Miraculous icon of Panagia Tourliani – Monastery of Ano Mera

The honor to the face of the Most Holy Theotokos is special and is at the center of the religiosity of the pious Mykonians, as is the case in the other islands of the Cyclades. Numerous are the churches dedicated to the name of Panagia, and many are the place names that the Champion General and protector of our nation bears in churches dedicated to Her grace on the picturesque island of Mykonos.

The soul of the pious Mykonians is found in Panagia Tourliani, the protector and guardian of this island, and in Her historic monastery, which is located in Ano Mera, 7 kilometers from Mykonos Town.

Countless legends, traditions, miracles, and stories connect this historic Marian pilgrimage site of Mykonos, to which the island’s inhabitants have turned and continue to turn in every joy and sorrow. And Panagia Tourliani has always given and will give solution and comfort to every pained and troubled soul. It is indicative that the ships of the island never left unless the sailors prayed to the miraculous icon of Panagia and entrusted their hopes and dreams to Her.

The historic monastery of Panagia Tourliani, which is the devout pride of Mykonians and the protector of the island, was founded in 1542.

The name ‘Tourliani’ is attributed to two different versions. According to one version, the miraculous icon of Panagia, which is inscribed on its silver shirt ‘The Ekatontapyliani of Paros’, was found in the sea area of Tourlos outside Mykonos Town. According to another version, the name ‘Tourliani’ came from the name of a nun, Tourli, who practiced asceticism in the location where the monastery is today. During this time, the first cells began to be built by two monks who left Paros in 1537 to protect themselves from pirates and arrived in Mykonos, seeking a quiet and safe place away from the sea. In this place, where a small church of the Entrance of the Theotokos pre-existed, the historic monastery of Panagia Tourliani was founded, to which the miraculous icon of the Most Holy Theotokos was transferred for safety reasons, which was found on the coast of the island and constitutes the priceless spiritual treasure of the Mykonians.

The historic monastery of Panagia Tourliani celebrates with all ecclesiastical splendor and with the massive participation of pious Mykonians on August 23, the day of the Leave-taking of the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. But the ancient holy monastery has been associated since the time of its foundation with ancient worship customs and beautiful traditions. Thus, from 1542 until today, the traditional custom of the descent of the miraculous icon of Panagia Tourliani on the Saturday of the first week of Great Lent from the monastery to the Town and its ascent from the Town to the monastery on Lazarus Saturday continues.

During the descent and ascent of the icon, all the Mykonian people participate massively and with great piety, walking the distance of 7 kilometers from Ano Mera, where the monastery is located, to the Town and vice versa. During Great Lent, the miraculous icon remains for veneration in one of the three parish churches of the Town (Megali Panagia, Panachrantos, Agia Kyriaki). This traditional custom of the icon’s stay in the Town gave the opportunity to all the sailors of the island to venerate the holy and revered icon of the Theotokos and to ask for Her intercessions before departing on their journey.