Another of the monasteries dedicated to the Virgin Mary is the Monastery of Sissis located on a hill above the Lourdas Beach. The monastery was founded in the 13th century by Saint Francis of Assisi, the catholic protector of nature, after who it was named as well. In the Middle Ages, the monastery was a significant and rich Christian edifice decorated by famous icons and frescoes. Yet during a strong earthquake in 1953, the original building was destroyed and a new church of the same name was built.