Crete is the largest Greek center of religious life. Such a number of monasteries, whose inhabitants lead a hermitic way of life, are not found anywhere else. You can visit these holy places, dressed appropriately, and strictly at the allotted time (from 9 to 12 and from 16 to 19 hours). Entrance to most of them is paid - from 2 euros.
Arkadi Monastery
Throughout Greece and Crete, Arkadi Monastery, located 23 km from Rethymno, is considered a symbol of freedom and faith, as it played an important role in the 19th century during the uprising against the Ottoman Empire. Now in the monastery there is a panel erected in honor of the fallen defenders, and outside it there is a mass grave in which they are buried. Also in the temple are icons, household items, weapons used during the war and much more.
Preveli Monastery
Another famous monastery in Crete is Preveli, located on the south coast. It includes 2 complexes: Piso Preveli, built in honor of John the Theologian, and KatoPreveli (dedicated to John the Baptist). PresumablyThe monastery has existed since the 14th century. During the Turkish occupation it was the center of religious life. The monks rescued the Greeks and secretly transported them to the Scaffian mountains. Now on the territory of Preveli there is a holy spring, from which residents and guests of the temple can drink water, as well as a small zoo. The cross of Ephraim of Prevelia is also kept here, which, according to legend, contains a particle of the real Cross of the Lord and cures eye diseases.
Topu Monastery
On Crete, Toplou Monastery is considered one of the most popular. Many of the relics that are kept here are unique and cannot be seen anywhere else. For example, the collection of the Museum of Icons, founded by the rector Philotheos Spanoudakis, includes the work of Ioann Cornarou “Wonderful are your deeds, Lord.” So, it exists in a single copy all over the world, there is simply no second one like it. In addition to icons, there is also a collection of interesting manuscripts and artifacts, the origin of which dates back to the 2nd century BC, and on its territory there is a well from which the monks drank water during various sieges.
Monastery of Agia Triada
This monastery in Crete also exists for a long time, it was built by the Venetian monk brothers in the 16th century. Today he actively supports the schools that operate in Chania. Local monks teach children at the seminary, produce tea, honey and olive oil, and look after the collection of numerous prints and images. Interestingly, the film Zorba the Greek was filmed in Agia Triada Monastery.
Gouverneto Monastery
The doors of the temple of Gouverneto are open to visitors only until 12 noon, the rest of the time the monks and their possessions are hidden from the outside world. However, believers should visit here, if only to see the facade of the church itself, which is decorated with sculptural images of monsters (which is very unusual!). If you wish, you can also visit the chapels dedicated to John the Hermit and the Ten Saints, and the museum, which houses wonderful relics.
Monastery of Saint George in Crete
This is an interesting attraction of the island. It is located 5 km from the city of Malia on the way to Agios Nikolaos. One of the features of the monastery is the cells carved into the rock. Monks still live there to this day. The second feature is the picturesque landscape: the building is literally immersed in vegetation. No less colorful are the magnificent views of the sea and the gray-red rocks that surround it. On one of them is a cross erected in honor of the monk Nikolaos. According to legend, this pious man once found here an icon with the face of St. George.
Monastery of Our Lady (Crete)
The Church of Our Lady Chrysoskalitissa is located on a high rock, and to get into it, you need to go up the stone stairs for a long time. According to legend, one of its steps was made of gold, but after that, either human sins made it invisible, or the monks sold it to someone to pay off the Turkish pasha, but it disappeared. One of the most revered relics of the temple -the icon "Assumption of the Virgin", discovered by one of the monks in the cave. It is to her that believers from all over the world go to bow.
St. Marina Monastery
Marina's Monastery (Crete) is located in the village of Voni, practically pressed against a hill. To the right of it begins a boundless plain. Palm trees grow on the territory of the monastery and there is a healing spring, which, according to legend, gives he alth even to terminally ill patients. Previously, people left jewelry here for salvation, but after a series of thefts, the clergy decided to give people a metal plate, which depicts a healed part of the body. You can buy it in the shop.
Kera Kardiotissa Monastery
Kera Monastery (Crete) is located in the central part of the island, it was built in the 13th century. Its main relic is the icon of the Mother of God of the Heart, which is well known to believers because of its ability to give he alth to the weak and help with infertility. But on the territory of the monastery there is also a museum, which exhibits church books, frescoes of the 14th century and utensils, as well as a large store. You can see everything together in just half an hour.
Monastery of Our Lady of Kalivyani
The temple built on the site of the icon of the Virgin was dilapidated. Today, only buildings of the 20th century remain from it. It includes a women's nursing home, a religious goods store, a girls' shelter, 5 churches, and a museum. In its western part there is a stonethe iconostasis with a fresco depicting Christ. To the north is a new temple built in honor of St. Harlampy. Inside it are ancient burials and relics of the venerable fathers who once served in this monastery. Also on the territory of the monastery there is a museum, which contains items of folk life from all over the region of Messara.
Monastery of Our Lady of Palyani
This monastery is said to be the oldest on the island. A sacred myrtle tree grows on its territory. According to legend, among its branches, righteous people can see the hidden image of the Virgin. It is believed that it is useful to pray in front of this tree: as a result, women get rid of infertility, and the sick from infirmities. Therefore, pilgrims from all over the world come here. It is worth noting that in addition to the myrtle tree on the territory of the temple there is also a stone taken from the Holy Sepulcher of the Mother of God. There is also a hotel for the faithful, a museum and a library.
As a conclusion
If you decide to visit the monasteries of Crete, be prepared for the fact that they work at a strictly allotted time. During the rest of the hours, their inhabitants work for the glory of God and pray. If you suddenly get hungry or decide to buy a souvenir for a loved one, don't worry. Many churches have church shops where you can buy everything you need: bread, food, crosses, consecrated icons and various souvenirs made by monks and nuns. Come, a tour of the holy cloistersyou will love it!
