Arkadi Monastery (Crete): history, interesting facts

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

The history of ancient temples and monasteries, as a rule, is shrouded in secrets and legends. Modern researchers disagree about the foundation of a particular architectural monument. But ordinary people are more interested not in dates, but in beautiful stories.

On the island of Crete, a long time ago, a legend was born about a monk named Arcadius, who once found an Orthodox icon at the foot of Mount Ida, in an olive grove. The man, being a true believer, was by no means surprised by the unexpected find. He saw this as an omen from above. It was Arcadius who became the founder of the church, which later became part of one of the most famous monasteries of Crete. Arkadi - this is the name of the monastery.

Foundation

The history of Arkadi Monastery (Crete) is full of tragic events. But we will talk about this later. First of all, it is worth saying that the exact datethe foundation of the monastery is unknown. Moreover, there is no information about the century in which it was built. Arkadi Monastery (Crete) is located twenty-three kilometers from Rethymno, on the slope of Mount Ida. Some researchers believe that it arose in the fifth century. Others argue much later - in the tenth century. The latest version is more credible, because not so long ago an inscription was discovered that refers to the X century.

Arkadi Monastery (Crete)

Most of the Greek population attends the Orthodox Church. Crete is a religious center. Arcadia Monastery is one of the most visited places. Moreover, not only believers from Greece come here, but also pilgrims from other countries. In addition, there are many tourists on the territory of the monastery at any time of the year, because this place is of considerable interest from a historical point of view.

In general, it is worth saying that the temples located on the island are quite diverse in terms of architecture. There are both small churches and tall, majestic cathedrals. Monastery Arkadi Krym is not just a monastery. This is a true symbol of freedom. Within the walls of this monastery, events once took place that were of great importance in the history of the whole country.

Already in the early Middle Ages, the monks of the famous Cretan monastery planted luxurious vineyards and olive trees. They were engaged, of course, not only in economic affairs, but also in educational ones. There were schools on the territory of the monastery, there was a huge library. Arkadi has become a kind of cultural center.

At the end of the 16th centuryon the slope of Mount Ida, a huge cathedral was built, combining several architectural trends. Fortunately, it has survived to this day. Today this temple is decorated with ships dedicated to St. Constantine and Helena. The secluded and creative monastic life was often violated by the invaders, who were haunted by the beautiful island of Crete for many centuries.

Turkish occupation

The measured monastic existence was first broken in the middle of the 18th century. The Ottoman Empire at that time reached its peak, which by no means weakened its desire for conquest. Rethymno fell under Turkish pressure. The monks had to leave the monastery, however, at the request of the abbot, the Ottoman Pasha did not close the Orthodox churches on the island. Soon, services in the cathedral, which is located on the territory of Arkadi, were resumed. Even in those difficult times, bells rang out in the vicinity of Ida.

Rebel Heroes

The real feat within the walls of the legendary monastery was accomplished much later - in the sixties of the XIX century. About 15,000 Turkish soldiers surrounded the monastery where the rebels were hiding, and among them were women and even children. The Turks managed to break through the defense. But the rebels did not give up. One of them managed to set fire to the powder magazines, which were located on the territory of the monastery. The monastery took off into the air, burying thousands of people under it, among which were both invaders and heroes who defended their land until the last minute of their lives.

Already a few years afterAfter this tragic event, the monastery began to be restored. Today, the premises located on its territory are in excellent condition. However, there are only ruins on the site of the former gunpowder store.

Reviews

The death of civilians that occurred within the walls of the monastery in the nineteenth century caused a wave of indignation. Later, a memorial plaque was erected on the site of the former warehouses. This, according to the reviews of tourists, is one of the most interesting places in Arkadi. Not far from the memorial plaque, you can see a withered tree that was not deliberately cut down: a Turkish bullet is still kept in its trunk. An extraordinary atmosphere reigns in the interior of the monastery. Old buildings are located in a fairly well-groomed area. There is also a small church shop where you can buy Orthodox icons.

How to get to Arkadi Monastery (Crete)? It is more convenient, of course, to use the excursion route. But you can also rent a car. The monastery is located in the northwestern part of the island, 80 km from Heraklion. On the north coast, the roads are reported to be in good condition. You should exit onto the main highway. Those who live in Rethymnon need to go east, towards Heraklion. The fastest way to the monastery can be reached on the federal highway. These are quite famous places, and therefore it is necessary to carefully follow the signs. In Stavromenos, turn south, from this village to the monastery is only 10 km.

MonasteryArkadi (Crete): days, opening hours

From December to March, the monastery is open daily from 9:00 to 16:00. From April to May and in October - from 9:00 to 17:00. During the summer, the monastery closes at 8:00 pm. Opening hours of the monastery of Arkadi (Crete) in November - from 9:00 to 17:00.