Monasteries of Crete: location, description, churches

Traditional holidays in Crete are the sea, beaches, excursions to local historical and natural attractions. Tourists and independent travelers should know that the Orthodox Christian faith has influenced the culture of the island of Greece for several millennia. During your vacation, it is recommended to visit some of the monasteries of Crete to get acquainted with the historical heritage of the island.

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Monastery of Our Lady of the Heart, Kera Kardiotissa

This monastery of Crete is called “Kera Kardiotissa” by the locals. It is located in the central part of the island, in a mountainous area. Landmark – Lassithi Plateau. Nearby is the village of Kera. The monastery complex was built at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level. The first mention of it dates back to the 14th century. This is the most famous religious complex in Crete. You can get there by bus, taxi or rented car. You should move along the highway to Hersonissos, Stalis or Malia.

What you can see in the Mother of God of the Heart, Kera Kardiotissa:

An old church located in this area. Ancient frescoes and icons have been preserved here.
Visit the church shop. Here you can buy souvenirs, icons.
Opening hours: from 8:00 to sunset.
Entrance fee – 2 Euro.

Please dress appropriately before visiting. There is a dress code here. Women are required to wear a headdress, an uncovered head may be a reason for not being allowed into the territory. The complex is relatively small, only 5 nuns live here permanently. In addition to them, there is a maintenance staff.

Advice: you can visit this monastery in Crete along with a tour. The Russian-speaking guide will tell the history of this place, point out interesting facts.

St. George, Selinari Gorge

This is a small temple complex located near the village of Asites. The distance to it is 1.2 km, from Heraklion you need to drive 24 km. This monastery in Crete is considered one of the most ancient. It was built during the reign of the Venetian Republic. It is located at an altitude of 480 meters. You can get there from Heraklion by regular buses. The alternative is to hire a taxi.

Useful information about the monastery of St. George in Crete:

Here you can see the miraculous icon of St. George. However, it is exhibited for public viewing only on April 23.
There is a beautiful park around. Oaks, cypresses and plane trees grow.
A monument to Fragiyas Mastrahas was erected. Here is his grave.
Entrance to the territory of the temple complex – 2 Euro.

This is a functioning monastery in Crete. Liturgies are periodically held, tourists and independent travelers can take part in them. For this, you need to dress appropriately. You can also buy religious souvenirs, there is a shop on the territory.

Important: there is a break during the winter months. It starts at 14:00 and ends at 16:00. During the tourist season, the monastery in Crete is open from 9:00 to sunset.

Cremaston

This is a small complex located near the village of Neapoli. Its peculiarity lies in the place of construction. Outwardly, it seems that the buildings are suspended in the air. Therefore, he received the name “Kremaston”, which means “suspended” in Greek. The monastery on Crete in Neapoli is dedicated to Saints Michael and Gabriel. According to chronicles, it was founded in 1593. Since then, it has been rebuilt several times. Most of the time, an Orthodox school was located here.

What you need to know about the Cremaston complex before the trip:

Under the Turkish conquerors, a secret Orthodox school was located in the monastery. All students, inhabitants of the island, were accepted into it.
Until 1992 it was a male monastery. But after that, several nuns came here. Now 7 novices live on the territory.
Several monuments to local national heroes were built.

On the territory of the monastery of Crete is very calm. Tourists can relax in the shade of trees, visit local springs. Comfortable benches and gazebos have been installed. However, tourists with children should watch their children. It is forbidden to make noise on the territory of the temple complex, especially during the service.

Important: during the national Orthodox holidays, the monastery is visited by many local residents. May be noisy. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from visiting at this time.

Toplu

The history of this monastery in Crete is a series of constant conquests and protection of the population of the island from invaders. The reason is its location. It is located in the easternmost part of the region, built on the coast. Nearby is the resort of Lassithi. The walls of the complex were constantly improved and now it looks more like a defensive structure than an Orthodox shrine. You can get there via the National Highway. Regular buses pass through it.

Toplu Facts:

There is a large fortress on the territory. A chapel was built inside it, the height of which exceeds 33 meters.
4 monks live permanently. They are engaged in the production of olive oil and wine. These products can be purchased at your local store.
There is a religious museum. Here are ancient icons, religious objects, writings. Entrance to its territory is free.

The total walking area is relatively small. Due to its location, this monastery in Crete is not often visited by tourists and independent travelers. But according to the reviews of vacationers and photos, it is clear that this is one of the most beautiful places on the island.

Tip: when buying souvenirs, olive oil or wine, you can only pay in cash. The local store does not accept bank cards.

Savvatyanon

This is one of the most ancient monasteries of Crete, according to preliminary data, it was built in the 13th century. Located in a mountainous area, a winding road leads to it, which starts from the route from Heraklion. This is a large temple complex, on the territory of which several churches and chapels were built. Here you can see church relics, relax in the garden, buy souvenirs. According to tourists, Savvatyanon Monastery hosts one of the most beautiful services.

TOP interesting monasteries on the island of Crete, Greece

What is recommended to know about this monastery in Crete:

This is a nunnery, now about 20 nuns live here.
In 1991, an ancient icon was found, which is shown only on major Christian holidays.
The property has a large and beautiful garden. His photo can be found in the reviews of tourists.
It is recommended to visit the Church of St. Anthony and Sava. They are in the temple complex.

Travel time from Heraklion is 1.5-2 hours. The disadvantage of this attraction is that regular buses do not go to it. For a trip, you can order a taxi or rent a car. There is a small car park in front of the entrance.

Important: it is forbidden to pluck plants, this is true for tourists who come with children.

Palyani

The monastery complex is located between Heraklion and the resort of Myros. Nearby is the village of Venerato. It was built in the 14th century, although historians have found references to it dating back to the 13th century. Feature – an ancient myrtle tree grows behind a large cathedral. According to legend, it cures infertility. Therefore, many pilgrims come here. Some of them live in Rethymno and other resorts of Crete.

Useful information about Pagliani:

The territory of the monastery is large, here you can visit the service, relax in the garden.
This is a convent, the nuns are engaged in needlework. Their products can be bought in a souvenir shop – embroidery, knitting.
The entrance is free.

Clothing for women should cover the elbows and knees. Headwear is required. Otherwise, they may not be allowed into the territory of the monastery.