There is an old, abandoned convent perched on the steep, western slopes of Mt. Juktas, known as Ton Kalogradon Ta Kelia—literally, The Monks’ Cells. The view from the chapel, which is built atop Mt. Juktas’ cliffs, is spectacular, affording a panoramic view. The building itself has three storeys and stands on a site that is both difficult to access and hidden from sight. Many believe that this was the location of Saint Paul’s hermitage.
The convent was one of many places of monasticism on and around Mt. Juktas, which flourished during the period of Venetian rule and then declined during the period of Ottoman rule, due to extensive pillaging.
Two structures still survive in moderately good condition: One comprises of a defensive wall with an inner courtyard and a chamber cut out of the rock-face, and the other is located a few metres to the south and was likely used to collect the water that flowed from a rather large opening in the rock face; the spring, however, has now run dry.
Access to the site is difficult, if not dangerous. It can be reached either from the mountain peak, just before the Afenti Christou (Lord Christ) chapel, or from the foot of Mt. Juktas, heading towards the Timiou Stavrou (Holy Cross) chapel. Extra care needs to be taken on both routes.
