South of Verria, on the slopes of Vermion (18 km.), lies the village of Kastania, which is usually snowed - in during the winter. This village counts about 300 people and it is the site of the monastery of the Panagia Soumela, founded by refugees from the Pontos; the monastery that roofs the famous icon of Panagia brought from the monastery of Our Lady of Mount Melas), in the mountains of Trapezounta district. The Apostle Luke painted this icon. On the 15th of August, many pilgrims come to the monastery that has a number of beds to accommodate them.