The monastery is northeast of Xanthi, above the Samakov district. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a pilgrimage for all Thracians. It was built in 1841 and was destroyed twice by earthquakes. The crypt behind and below the sanctuary is dated back to 1000-1100.

The monastery was named after a 16th-century icon depicting Mary next to the archangels Gabriel and Michael bearing the inscription “Archangeliotissa” (Mary of the archangels). The monastery was looted during the Bulgarian occupation, but it has now been restored. Thousands of pilgrims visit the monastery nowadays.

Municipality of Xanthi (video)