Kathara
 Traveling
north, we come across a site called Agros, also known as the
field of Laertes (Ulysses' father). There is a road that ascends
to the Mountain Neritos.
Only 6 km away, at an altitude of 556 m., is the monastery of
Kathara, its distance from Vathy is 15 km. The monastery is
connected by a 3km long road to the village of Anoghi
Kathara means dry useless plants and thorns. According to
tradition, the establishment of the church was from farmers
who had set fire to the area of Kathara and found the icon
of "Panagia" (Holy Virgin).
 According
to another aspect the church was founded by the Catholic heresy
of Katharon. The church was built in 1696, possibly on the
same site where the ruins of the temple of the goddess Artemis
or Athena are buried.
The monastery was established later. Since then it is open
only in the summer months to enable visitors to see the remarkable
wall paintings, the valuable reredos, and the icon of Panagia
which is believed was painted by the apostle Luke.
The 8th of September is the date of the monastery's celebration.
Following the service, a festivity with food and dance takes
place, which is organized mainly by the people of Anoghi.
The proceeds of the festivities go towards the restoration
of the monastery.
The ascent to Kathara has an unforgettable panoramic view
of the isthmus of Ithaca, the Bay of Vathy and the southern
coast of the island.
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