Perhaps the most popular monastery in Rethymno due to its historical value, since, during the Cretan liberation struggle, was burnt to the ground in 1866. It was built during the 16^th century and illustrates the monastic architecture of its time, while protected by Unesco as a European monument of freedom. The monastery built in the plateau of Arkadi, 23km from Rethymno, stands out for its size and its fortress architecture. It is definitely worth a visit to admire the rich museum collection with ecclesiastical manuscripts, gold-embroidered vestments, stamps, handwritten codes and other priestly heirlooms as well as works of art created by the monks. Here also lies the Museum of the Olive, in the restored olive mill of the monastery, which is dedicated to the tradition of the olive and olive oil in Crete.