All around the island of Crete, you may find gorgeous churches and monasteries, places of worship that are not only spiritually significant but also historically significant for their roles in decades-long struggles for freedom. Crete's monasteries, which are often located in inaccessible parts of the island's mountainous interior, have provided inhabitants with a wonderful spiritual haven for generations. Whether you're interested in little, whitewashed chapels or massive buildings with magnificent blue domes, there's a wide range of monasteries to see in Greece. You should take your camera and this guide and go see them.
Arcadi
Arkadi Monastery is the most well-known Greek monastery because of its history as one of the earliest Eastern Orthodox monasteries. This religious landmark attracts tourists and pilgrims from all over the world thanks to the striking scenery and rich history that can be found there. The monastery was a hub of Greek culture and a site of revolutionary activity throughout the Turkish occupation. The region's history, both its tragedies and its triumphs, are memorialized through objects and texts that are still on exhibit today. Today, the region is known for its agriculture, which includes the creation of high-quality oil and wine. This impressive monastery has a wealth of sights and experiences to offer.
Preveli Monastery
The Preveli Monastery in Crete is one of the island's most famous religious sites. It is located in a scenic area between mountains and the sea, was likely founded by Venetians sometime between the years 1205 and 1669. The Lower (Kato) Monastery of Saint John the Baptist is the first of the two main buildings that make up the monastery. Both of these monasteries, the Front (Gioia) Monastery of Saint Catherine and the Rear (Pisso) Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, are active today. The monastery has been restored and is now one of Crete's top tourist destinations. The Lower Monastery consists of many buildings and a central courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard is a little church dedicated to St. John. The Lower Monastery's church (Katholikon) has a single nave, a dome, and a bell tower with two massive bells.
Virgin Mary Kera Kardiotissa
Near the settlement of Kera, at the base of Mount Dikti, stands the Monastery of Panagia Kera Kardiotissa. As a monastery honoring the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it has a long history in the area. The 8th of September marks the annual celebration. The monastery's stone church underwent extensive restoration in the 1970s. No one knows for sure when it was built, but it was probably somewhere in the 14th century. The earliest written record of the monastery dates back to 1333 and is recorded in a manuscript. The church's shrine is the only remaining historic structure. The church's expansion included the construction of two Byzantine-style narthexes. The church's interior is decorated with priceless murals from the 14th and 15th centuries that reference the iconography of the Macedonian region. The church's primary icon is believed to have been painted by Saint Lazaros and is now housed in the church of Saint Alphonsus in Rome. A newer icon with miraculous powers replaced the old one around 1735.
Aretios Monastery
The monastery was established at the end of the 16th century and continued to operate, undergoing renovations until the end of the 19th century, despite being destroyed by the Turks during the revolution of 1821. The monastery was re-established in 1955–1956, and it underwent extensive restoration in the 1990s. Because of the sloping terrain, the building complex is laid out around two courtyards and is constructed in stages. The stables, olive groves, and wine presses are all built around the smaller one to the south, which also houses the main entrance. The enormous Catholicon, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, was reconstructed in 1880–1881 and is located in the center courtyard, along with the chapel of Saint Lazarus, which is likely a place of burial.
Toplou Monastery
The Toplou Monastery is another important religious site on the island of Crete. It's on the road to Vai Beach on the island's eastern part and dates back to the 15th century. The monastery's defense wall is 10 meters high, which successfully warded off attacks from the outside world. It has a total floor size of 800 square meters and three stories. The area also features a bell tower that is 33 meters in height and 40 guest rooms. The various weapons and supplies the monks used against the Nazis are on display in the museum that now stands on the premises. One of them is a radio that can be used to communicate wirelessly with other friendly troops in Egypt. Unfortunately, the abbot and many monks were tortured and killed after German forces discovered the alleged radio (in the jail of Agia, near Chania).
Agarathos Monastery
The Agarathos Monastery, one of the oldest on the island, can be found in central Crete, not far from the peaceful village of Sgourokefali. As a safe haven during the Ottoman Empire's rule, this area saw several pivotal historical moments unfold. Locals and visitors alike are currently flocking to the area to check out the cells, temples, and ecclesiastical museum.
Posted on : 30/09/2023
