Monastries
Quiet places of faith, history and pause
Holy Monastery of Odigitria
The Holy Monastery Of Odigitria is located in the Southern part of the prefecture of Heraklion on the massif of the Asterousia Mountains and is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. The monastery was built in the 14th century and was surrounded by a wall. Some parts of this wall are preserved even up till today. Inside the Church you will find holy vestments, unique murals, an icon screen of the church painted by the famous Angelou, and more. The Odigitria Monastery also played an important role in the liberation Fights. The Monestary protected not only the preservation of the Orthodox faith, but protected also the population from the Ottomans. Today the Monastery still exists with monks and is working properly. The peace and serenity of the soul that someone feels when visiting the Monastery of Odigitria cannot be described by words. Without doubt, definitely worth your visit ! (It can be easily combined with a walk through the gorge of Agio Farango, see later). You drive direction Sivas and will see the signs. http://www.imodigitrias.gr
Monastery Vrontissi
This is one of Crete’s most famous monasteries, close to the village of Zaros. It played an important role during the years of the Cretan Renaissance, both in the letters and the arts, and, during the last centuries of Venetian rule, it was known for its many scholars, artists and venerable monks. The monastery reaches its highest cultural development under the Venetians. The Turkish invasion in 1669 marks the beginning of its decline and the monastery is violently attacked by the Turks during the periods of Cretan rebellion. In spite of the fact that the walls of the monastery are practically completely destroyed, they still retain their fortress look and the church stands in the middle, with its double nave dedicated to Saint Anthony and to the Apostle Saint Thomas. The present-day entrance to the monastery is new, but one can still distinguish the old one with its impressive central arch. The bell-tower is independent from the church and bears the influence of the catholic style of the time. In the interior of the church, along the walls of the double nave, some of the remarkable wall paintings are still visible The fountain Outside the monastery walls, under everlasting plane-trees, there is a beautiful fountain, one of the island’s most important outdoor sculptures, a unique heirloom of its time. It represents Adam and Eve in relief and water pours out from the mouths of four figures representing the rivers of Edem. http://www.interkriti.org/crete/iraklion/vrontissi_monastery.html
Monastery Kaliviani
The nowadays female cenobitic Monastery of Panagia Kaliviani is one of the most important churches of the neighborhood. There has been a male monastery on this site since the Byzantine era, and the chapel of Zoodochos Pigi, where the miraculous icon of the Annunciation was found, was built on its remnants. The convent was destroyed by the Turks and the monks were avowers and martyrs for their Faith. The books of the monastery date back to 1873 and prove the charity work of the monastery. In 1927, Bishop of Arkadia ordered the construction of the Holy Temple of the Church of the Virgin Mary, which now constitutes the Cathedral of the monastery. In 1956 , the new Bishop studied the needs of the region and decided to organize charitable work in the area of the monastery, which was converted into a convent when the first sisters were ordained to the worship of God and charity. Nowadays, it accommodates weary and traumatized souls and it aims for the proper mental development of children and their smooth integration to society as a whole. At the same time, there are laboratories of vestment tailoring, weaving, an ecclesiastic and folk art museum, an elementary school and a kindergarten for the children from local institutions, as well as a summer camp in Kokkinos Pirgos for the holidays of children living in institutions.
Monastery of Arkadi
Arkadi Monastery is one of Crete’s most important historical and spiritual landmarks, located in the hills southeast of Rethymno.
Founded in the 16th century, it is best known for its role in the Cretan uprising of 1866, when monks and civilians sacrificed their lives rather than surrender to Ottoman forces.
The monastery’s Renaissance-style church and fortified complex reflect both religious devotion and resistance.
Today, Arkadi stands as a powerful symbol of freedom, sacrifice, and Cretan identity.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for those interested in Crete’s history and culture.
Good to know
- Dress modestly when visiting (covered shoulders and knees are recommended)
- Some monasteries may have restricted access during services or religious holidays
- Photography may be limited inside churches and certain areas
- Keep voices low and phones on silent, as these are active places of worship