The hill took its name from a monk who came from Jerusalem in the 13th century bringing with him an icon of the Blessed Virgin painted by the Apostle Luke. Today that icon is in St Petersburg and a copy has been put in its place. The small church he built later became a basilica and then in the 14th century the Knights built in St. John, a large monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary with its exquisite bell tower that one still sees today. There is where the miracle-working icon is so reverently kept.

The monastery was destroyed during the Turkish occupation. The Italians rebuilt the monastery during their occupation and kept it open with monks from the Capuchin Order. Behind the church are the monks' cells, the walls of which are decorated with mosaic depictions of saints.

The steps to the Cross.

The Steps to the Church and to Monastery.

During the war the monks returned to Italy and since then the monastery has been closed. The main church of the monastery was more like a small chapel to the Virgin Mary and young couples had romantic weddings there.

There is a road that sets off from the square that leads to the westernmost point of the hill. The Road to Golgotha used by the Catholics was dotted with holy icon-stands and bronze reliefs with representations of the Passion of Christ. There is a very impressive view from there.