The main reason for the creation of the cavernous churches on rough and distant locations, were the hunt of Christians during the Turkish domination, as well as the offerings and honors to anchorites from the people of Skyros.

Most of these churches are actually cavernous with the sole exception of St. Nicholas at Pouria, which is mixed type. This is also the only church that is easy to visit, while for the rest a lot of walking is necessary and a local to show the way.