Laerma village is a small traditional inland village, built on a hill overlooking and almost hidden by the luxuriously green forested area surrounding it. The village has been continuously inhabited since the Pre-Hellenic period and the actual name of the village is thought to be a false pronunciation of the ancient name of the city of La Dharma. Apart from a couple of excellent tavernas there is not much tourism happening here, although one of the main reasons for perhaps visiting the area is the Monastery Taxiarchis Michail at Tharri 4 km southwest.

 

Tharri is the largest monastery on Rhodes and is situated in a very lush and fertile forested area. It is said that one of the Imperial Princesses was in Rhodes recovering miraculously from a mortal illness. She dropped her ring and legend has it that the monastery was founded on that exact spot. According to another local tradition, the monastery was constructed by a couple of noblemen whose daughter recovered from an illness, thanks to the healing water and the healthy climate of the area.

 

Grateful to Taxiarchis Michael, the happy parents sponsored the construction of the monastery at the place where their daughter was saved. Nevertheless Tharri has a rich history and holds over 20 frescos of some of the most beautiful and oldest icons available. In the area you will also find the rare plant Paeonia the white a protected species, growing only here and in the neighbouring regions of Profitis Ilias, Archangelos and Arnitha. The plant is always found at high altitudes and is very specific to these areas.