Old Jesuits Resort at Kalamitsia

Frequently mentioned in reviews: Top-rated.online cuts through the clutter, highlighting only the reviews that are most helpful, earn the most likes, or come from the most active contributors. A must see! You don't need an ATV to get here, but definitely ditch your car when you start to feel uncomfortable driving. It's a very brief (3 minute) hike from the dirt to the site. Not many people at all. A bit of a journey to get to, you may find the not very drivable if there's been rain at all since they last fixed it. Still a nice visit and not in bad shape given the age of the structures. Nice views too. Sensational lost place and one of our best experiences at Naxos. No people, you can turn back in time for yourself. But be aware: don't go by car down to the monastery. Especially the last part is super-heavy also for good drivers and you have no chance to turn the car half way. Let the car on the last corner and then go few hundred meters down. Στην κοιλάδα μεταξύ των χωριών Ποταμίας και Μέλανες βρίσκεται ένα από τα κτήρια της Ρωμαιοκαθολικής εκκλησίας στην Νάξο. Σε αυτό τον χώρο βρισκόταν παλαιότερα τα ερείπια ενός δουκικού παλατιού με όνομα «Καλαμίτζια». Ο χώρος στον οποίο κτίστηκε το θέρετρο μεταξύ 1679-1681, είχε αγοραστεί από τον Robert Saulger (Γάλλος ηγούμενος των Ιησουιτών) από την οικογένεια Θεολιγίτη το 1678. Η αρχιτεκτονική του κτιρίου έχει στοιχεία γαλλικού μπαρόκ. Το κτίριο είναι διώροφο και γύρω του υπάρχουν δύο βοηθητικοί χώροι και ένας περιστεριώνας. Γύρω από το κτίριο υπήρχαν κήποι και περιβόλια που έφταναν μέχρι το χωριό των Μελάνων. Ο χώρος παραμένει ανεκμετάλλευτος. Toller lost place, teilweise ziemlich brüchig, Vorsicht ist geboten, aber echt sehenswert. Außerdem ist man meist alleine dort, so viele Touris verirren sich nicht dahin (Gott sei Dank). Der Weg dahin ist auf den letzten 500 Metern einen enge, steinige Schotterpiste, aber von jedem einigermaßen geübten Fahrer zu bewerkstelligen Very exciting to visit a historical site without safety rails and info plaques. Feels a little dangerous, but well worth it. You can get a feel for how people used to live. Accessed easily with an ATV. You might do it in a car, but it depends on your comfort level with a very rough road. Ever wanted to walk around an ancient abandoned by yourself? This is your chance. No people there, very remote (take an ATV, ideally). Cool to see and a bit creepy as you progress into the depths of the building. Really awesome place to explore. When we went they were filming a movie there. It was cool to see the actors in horror makeup and costume. Parts of the buildings were crumbling. Use caution, and be really careful with kids. I love exploring ruins and these ones are somewhat intact but also have floors and ceilings caving in. Be careful walking around especially on the top floor. Avoid staying near the archways as well (barely anything holding it up). Check the lower floor for the water running through! GPS took me right to it. The was easy and I had a Fiat Panda. Not sure why people are saying it's not driveable. If you're a city dweller, and don't know how to drive a manual, I guess it could be challenging. I found it to be extremely easy to navigate. Do not park hot cars on dry grass. Risk of fire is great. The ruins are quite something. There are several levels to the main structure. The old garden is very obvious, with still producing figs and palms. Must've been quite a place back in the day. Bring a headlamp to explore the lowest levels, as it is pretty dimly lit. There is even the remains of a mill and an olive press. See pics. There is also a trail that extends a km or 2 round trip that explore the old stone wall. I didn't walk it but could see it with my drone. Worth the trip. An interesting but abandoned and stripped bare old monastery. Be careful of the rough leading to it. Un endroit très atypique, situé a la fin d'une impasse. La route est en terre avec beaucoup de cailloux, nous avons réussi à y accéder avec une petite Kia Picanto mais il a fallu rouler très doucement. On peut aussi se garer au village et faire une petite randonnée jusqu'à là bas. L'endroit était paisible et pittoresque, attention il est préférable de mettre un pantalon pour visiter. Ça valait le détour Sehr schöne alte Klosteranlage. Man kann mit einem normalen Auto direkt bis zu diesem Lost Place fahren. Die Sackgasse endet in einem Wendehammer. Dort kann das Auto Problemlos abgestellt werden. Die Straße ist zwar nicht asphaltiert, trotzdem geeignet für alle Fahrzeuge. Ich bin die Strecke mit einem Suzuki Swift gefahren. Die Gebäude laden alle zum entdecken ein. Allerdings sollte man bedenken das leider alles inzwischen baufällig ist und darauf achten wo man hin tritt. Kalamitsia is well worth a stop if you are passing through the area, though care should be taken as the buildings are not preserved and in a partial state of collapse. It's probably not ideal for small children as there are many dangers, not least the accessible roof, with unprotected edges! Walking through the various levels of the complex is really surreal. One can just imagine the buildings in use for their intended purpose not so very long ago. 🌟 **4/5 Stars** 🌟 Kalamitsia Monastery, also known as the Jesuit Palace, is a hidden gem tucked away in the hills of Naxos – but be prepared for an adventure getting there! You’ll need to navigate a winding dirt with steep sides, and once you’re on it, turning around isn’t really an option. My advice? Just keep going, because at the bottom, you’ll find a spot to turn around. The journey is half the fun, especially with the beautiful olive trees and low hills surrounding you. Built in 1673 by the Jesuit monk Roberto Sauze, this is a fascinating piece of history. The luxurious design and elegance of the place apparently didn’t sit well with the locals back in the day – after all, monks aren’t exactly known for their taste in opulent summer resorts! But that’s what makes this place so interesting, it’s actually an architectural masterpiece. However, I had to knock off a star because it’s sad to see this incredible site slowly falling into ruin. The is still in relatively good condition, but the decline is noticeable year by year. It’s heartbreaking to think that such a beautiful and historically significant place might disappear entirely if it doesn’t get the restoration and care it deserves. Come on, local authorities – let’s not let this treasure crumble into dust! The has two stories with many ancillary wings to explore. You can still admire the kitchen, laundry rooms, stables, and cells, but be careful – this is not the place to channel your inner Indiana Jones. The building hasn’t been restored, so take special care, especially on the roof. A slip here could turn your historical tour into a disaster movie! For those who enjoy a bit of adventure and don’t mind the dirt road, you can drive to the monastery, or if you’re up for a hike, you can reach it on foot from Melanes village or the Kouros. The setting, surrounded by nature and history, is truly captivating. And here’s the kicker – if anyone ever decides to sell this place, sign me up! I’ll take it. Who wouldn’t want their very own crumbling Jesuit Palace? Just a little TLC, and it could be the ultimate retreat! Website change monitoring Monitor any webpage for changes – get instant email alerts when prices drop, new jobs are posted, products come back in stock, or competitors update their sites. 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