Crete is the largest Greek center of religious life. Such a number of monasteries, whose inhabitants lead a hermit lifestyle, are nowhere else. You can visit these holy places , having dressed appropriately, and strictly in 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
In all of Greece and Crete, the Arkadi Monastery, located 23 km from Rethymno , is considered a symbol of freedom and faith, since in the 19th century it played an important role during the rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. Now in the monastery there is a panel installed in honor of the defenders who died, 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.
Monastery of Preveli
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 Kato Preveli ( dedicated to John the Baptist). Presumably the monastery has existed since the 14th century . During the Turkish occupation was the center of religious life. The monks rescued the Greeks and secretly transported them to the Scafian mountains. Now there is a holy spring on the territory of Preveli , from which residents and guests of the temple can drink water, as well as a small zoo. It also houses the cross of Ephraim of Prevelius , which, according to legend, contains a particle of the true Cross of the Lord and cures eye diseases.
Toplou Monastery
In Crete, Toplou Monastery is considered one of the most popular. Many of the relics that are stored here are unique, they can not be seen anywhere else . For example, the collection of the museum of icons, founded by the rector Philofei Spanudakis , includes the work of John Kornaru “Wonderful Thy Works, Lord.” So, it exists all over the world in a single copy, the second one is simply not there. In addition to the 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 Triad
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 schools that work in Chania . Local monks teach children in seminaries, produce tea, honey and olive oil, and look after a collection of numerous prints and images. It is interesting that it was in the Agia Triada Monastery that the film "Greek Zorba " was shot.
Guverneto Monastery
The doors of the Guverneto Temple 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 St. George in Crete
This is an interesting attraction of the island. It is 5 km from the city of Malia on the way to Agios Nikolaos . One of the features of the monastery is the cells hollowed out in the rock. To this day, monks live in them. The second feature is the picturesque landscape: the building is literally buried in vegetation. No less colorful are magnificent views of the sea and the gray-red cliffs that surround it. On one of them is a cross established 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 the Virgin (Crete)
The Church of Our Lady of 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 either human sins made it invisible, or the monks sold it to someone for reckoning with the Turkish pasha , but it disappeared. One of the most revered relics of the temple is the icon of the 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.
Monastery of St. Marina
Marina Monastery (Crete) is located in the village of Voni, almost pressed to the hill. To his right begins the boundless plain. Palm trees grow on the territory of the monastery and there is a healing spring, which, according to legend, gives health even to terminally ill patients. Previously, people left jewelry for salvation here, 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.
Monastery of Kera Cardiotissa
The monastery of Kera (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 Virgin Mary of the Heart, which is well known to believers because of its ability to give health to the weak and help with infertility. But the monastery also houses a museum that displays church books, 14th-century murals and utensils, as well as a large store. All together, you can see literally half an hour.
Monastery of the Virgin Kaliviani
The temple, built at the location of the icon of the Virgin, was dilapidated. Today, only buildings of the 20th century remain from it. It includes a nursing home for women, a religious goods store, a shelter for girls, 5 churches, and a museum. In its western part there is a stone iconostasis, on which there is a fresco depicting Christ. To the north is the new temple, built in honor of St. Harlampy. Inside it are the ancient burial places and relics of the reverend fathers who once served in this monastery. There is also a museum on the territory of the monastery, which collects household items from all over the Messara region.
Monastery of the Virgin Palyany
This monastery, according to some, is 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: women as a result of this get rid of infertility, and patients get rid of infirmities. Therefore, pilgrims from all over the world come here. It is worth noting that in addition to the myrtle tree in the temple there is also a stone taken from the Holy Sepulcher of the Mother of God . There is also a hotel for believers, a museum and a library.
In conclusion
If you decide to visit the monasteries of the island of Crete, be prepared for the fact that they work in strictly allotted time. In the remaining hours, their inhabitants work for the glory of God and pray. If you suddenly feel hungry or decide to buy a souvenir for a loved one, do not worry. Many churches have church shops where you can buy everything you need: bread, products, crosses, consecrated icons and various souvenirs made by the hands of monks and nuns. Come, a tour of the holy cloisters you will certainly enjoy!