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The monastery is situated at an altitude of 538 meters, close to Episkopi Pediados. Built during the Venetian era, it is considered one of the oldest in Crete. Its name comes from the plant Agarathou, below which it is said that the icon of the Virgin Mary was found. It is dedicated to the Kimisi of Theotokou (Virgin Mary) and Agios (Saint)...
Located 30 km south of Heraklion, it was built in the late Venetian period. It is the largest monastery on Crete, and played a particularly important role during the Ottoman occupation. In the monastery, visitors can admire holy objects such as a grail of 1842, and the remarkable icon of Agios (St.) Georgiow, which it is said ‘knocks’ when its...
Located near Heraklion, it sits at an altitude of 170 meters. It experienced the brutality of the Turks. It is a monastery for men. Particularly impressive is the new church, which has a length of 33 meters and 33 doors (as many as the year of Jesus) and 107 doors and windows (as many as the years of Agios Ioannis).
Considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, it is located at an altitude of 280 meters, near the village Venerato. A women’s monastery, its name is linked to the name ‘old monastery.’ During the Ottoman period, it was destroyed by the Turks and the nuns were massacred; but it quickly regained its power. Besides the Kimisi of Theotokou...
Well hidden in a lush landscape at an elevation of 440 m. It was built in the Venetian period and received the full wrath of the Turks. Walking along a forested path, and over a stone bridge, the visitor is led to the cave church of Agios (St.) Antonios. A newer wing of the church is dedicated to Agios (St.) Savvas. The monastery is dedicated...
Nearby the village of Asites, at an altitude of 480 meters amongst plane trees, cypresses and holm oaks, lies the monastery dedicated to Agios (St.) Georgios. This is also one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. The origins of the name Golgolaini have two versions: either after someone who could quickly fill ‘laginia,’ (a kind of large...
Within walking distance from Asites lies the village of Agios Mironas, where the skete (hermitage) the tomb and relics of Agios (St.) Mironas were saved; the hermitage has a spring from which holy water flows, and is considered to have miraculous properties.
Built upon the high peak of Mount Giouchta, it offers the visitor a unique and commanding view. It is dedicated to the Metamorphosi tou Sotiros, the Agia Zoni, the Agii Apostoli and Agii Anargyri. Within walking distance from the church is a three-story building standing on a steep point, which is believed to have been the hermitage of Agios...
Built in the 14th century at an elevation of 250 meters and in a defensible position. A portion of the fortress wall still survives today. It is also one of the most historic monasteries in Crete, which played an important role during the period of Turkish rule. There was located the headquarters of the illustrious chieftain Xopatera. Even...
Shortly past Mires is the Monastery of Panagia Kalyviani, built in 1873 on the ruins of an old monastery. It is truly an example to emulate, as it has an orphanage, nursing home, youth foundation, a housekeeping school, weaving workshops, elementary school, kindergarten and camps. The largest church was built in 1924, and is dedicated to the...
Situated near Voriziano gorge, overlooking the plain of Messara, is the Monastery of Vrondisi. This is also one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. It is dedicated to Agios (St.) Antonios. The architecture is that of a fortress, although none of the fortifications survive today. All that remains is an impressive sculpted fountain. It is...
In the rocky Asterousia, at an altitude of 440 meters, is built the monastery Apezanon, dedicated to Agios (St.) Antonios. According to tradition, the monastery was founded by four monks who were living in Agiofarango, but were forced to leave due to pirate attacks. The chapel has a beautiful wooden temple, featuring two icons which are...
The road leading to the waterfront monastery passes through the gorge Koudouma - a magical ride on rough terrain and steep cliffs. The monastery is built in a cave, but the complex includes hostels, a library, a dining room, a small museum and the monks' cells. Around the monastery there are several caves, which the monks often visit, and open...
