Nestled among the sea-battered rocks of Diaporio stands the small chapel of Panagia Kavouradaina, facing the imposing Mycenaean walls of Paleokastro. This iconic landmark has stood for years, witnessing the ebb and flow of time.
The Μyth
Many locals share tales of how the unique icon of Panagia found its way to this picturesque chapel. Legend has it that two fishermen from the neighboring island of Kalymnos set out one morning to earn their living on the tumultuous northwest side of their island. However, the weather turned wild, and the sea seemed to be teeming with serpents.
Taking refuge near Xirokampos, the fishermen discovered a pile of sea cucumbers at the shallow waters, reminiscent of the place where, according to Homer in the Iliad, men from the islands of Kalymnos boarded ships for the Trojan War. As night fell, they lit a lamp and headed for Pyrofani, but in the shallow waters of Xirokampos, they spotted a square piece of wood gently tapping the side of their boat.
The Miracle
The fishermen began filling their baskets with sea cucumbers until a small wooden plank emerged from the sea, softly tapping the boat’s side. The keen eyes of one sailor noticed it was the image of Panagia, which he promptly picked up and placed in their boat. Soon after, the weather cleared, and Panagia, along with the sea cucumbers, was brought to the island of the two fishermen.
The Building of the Chapel
Within two days, the fisherman received nocturnal visits in their dreams. A tall, black-clad figure instructed them to promptly return the icon to where they found it. At dawn, the fisherman set sail, and the weather, seemingly propelled by an unseen force, carried them swiftly. Arriving at the opposite shore, they encountered a group of Xirokampites repairing their fishing nets.
The fishermen, with trembling words, recounted the events of the preceding night. Without hesitation, the locals joined forces to build a small chapel. Since then, Panagia Kavouradaina has resided in this beautiful sanctuary. Some claim a Lerian discovered her years ago while searching for sea cucumbers, a bite from one leading to a miraculous healing. Whether truth or legend, the chapel stands as a testament to divine providence on the shores of Leros.
