The smaller temple of the mountain is a castle, with battlements and crenelations, rooted on a storm-tossed rock, which was founded during I. Tsimiskis by the monk Nikiforos Stavronikitas. But it is more likely to be built by Patrikios Nikitas, who celebrates the day after the Elevation of the Cross.
It was first appended to the monasteries of Koutloumousi and Philotheou, degradated into a cell and later returned to a monastery class. Its limited property was devoted to the struggle. With the Turkish invasion, fires and debts it was deserted and placed under the custodianship of the Holy Community. It had financial difficulties until 1967, when a group of monks of Skete of Ivera led by old Paisios, re-made it a strong communion. In 2000 restoration work was carried out in its tower and the old aqueduct, at the entrance of the monastery.
Its unique heirloom is the mosaic icon of Saint Nicholas "Streidas", which ascended from the bottom 500 years ago, where it had been thrown by pirates, having an oyster stuck on the forehead of the Saint. Its’ also small library houses 5,000 prints and few manuscripts. In the catholic is saved a magnificent wall painting of Theophanes, while the cells of about 40 monks are built overlooking the wild beauty of the sea.
