The most Impressive Churches in Crete
With Christmas just around the corner, these Churches and Monasteries in Crete will be celebrating the most joyous day of the year!
There are many impressive churches and monasteries in Crete. Some of these sanctuaries are located right by the sea, tucking in the rocks or on top of the mountains. Nonetheless, they are all noteworthy! In this article, we are presenting you some of the most impressive sanctuaries in Crete. We urge you to, find out on which of our tours, you can visit these remarkable churches and monasteries.
We hope you enjoy our selection of these sacred places!
Arkadi Monastery – Rethymnon, Crete
One of the most important Monasteries of Crete is the Holy Monastery of Arkadi, located 23 km from Rethymnon, in a strategic position on the northwestern slope of Mount Idi. The name of the monastery comes most probably from the Byzantine emperor Arcadius and the year of its foundation dates to the 5th century. Moreover, the Monastery of Arkadi became famous all over the world thanks to its intense participation in the liberation struggles against the Turks. On November 8th, 1866, the defenders sacrificed themselves in order not to surrender. This incident is famous in history as the “Holocaust of the Arkadi Monastery”. Consequently, it is a European Monument of Freedom, by UNESCO.
After the destruction, the Monastery was completely rebuilt and restored to its original form. Although the half-burned iconostasis to the left of the Holy Table and a cannonball wedged in the cypress tree testify to its history. Admire the two-aisled church in the center of the monastery dedicated to Agios Konstantinos and Helen and the Transfiguration of the Savior, built in the 16th century. The chapel of Arkadi, the museum of the monastery that houses relics dating from its foundation, and the area of the fire warehouse where the drama of 1866 took place are truly breathtaking. Finally, in the Exhibition Hall, which was a wine warehouse, there is now a small gift shop.
Rethymnon for Nature Lovers – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Our Rethymnon for Nature Lovers Experience combines history, nature with religion. Start your day by visiting the beautiful Lake Kourna, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete! It has an immense geological and mythological interest as it seems that there was an ancient temple in the area. Your next stop will be at the gorgeous Natural Park of Patsos. There you will enjoy a moderate 8-kilometer hike. During your hike do not forget to take pictures by the amazing waterfall! Before you visit the Arkadi Monastery, have a delicious traditional meal in a local tavern of the gorge. Finally, at this historic Monastery, your guide will explain to you its significance as it is a symbol of independence.
Monastery of St. George Karydiou – Chania, Crete
In the province of Apokoronas just before Vrysses of Apokoronas is the magnificent Holy Monastery of Agios Georgios Karydiou. The first information about the Holy Monastery is in documents from 1600. These documents state that there was a small settlement called Karydi, (walnut in Greek) apparently from the many walnut trees that existed there. During the Turkish occupation, the settlement of Karydi was dissolved. The priest of the village to keep the Church of Agios Georgios intact in the now abandoned settlement paid taxes to the conquerors. After some time, the area became part of the Holy Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Akrotiri, Chania. In 1860 the construction of the newest huge oil mill of the Holy Monastery was completed. The Holy Monastery of Agios Georgios Karydios is a wonderful destination for our spiritual pursuits.
Explore the Traditional Aspects Of Chania – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Enjoy a full day exploring the Cretan 20th Century history in Chania and its surrounding traditional villages. First, learn all about charismatic Greek politicians who played an important role in the history of Crete and Greece. After, visit the traditional villages that circle Chania town along with their historic and Folk Arts Museum. There, you will see interesting everyday objects aged from the Roman to Modern times. This experience will continue with a visit to the Monastery of St. George Karydiou. Additionally, you will have the chance to go to its olive oil factory dating back a few centuries. Finally, you will visit a new olive oil factory where apart from learning all about olive oil production, you will also enjoy an olive oil tasting.
St. Titos Church Heraklion
St. Titus Church – Heraklion, Crete
St. Titus in Heraklion is one of the most important monuments in the city center. Around it spreads a beautiful square with some cafes and bars.
Nikiforos Fokas expelled the Arabs from Crete, making it a part of the powerful Byzantine Empire again. To revive the Christian faith and tradition in Crete, which had fallen into recession due to the conquest by the Arab pirates, they needed to build an orthodox church. Saint Titus was a disciple of the Apostle Paul and the first bishop of Crete. Moreover, the first church dedicated to his name was the one in the old capital Gortyna which housed the metropolis of the island. Its destruction came by an earthquake and they transferred the capital from Gortyna to Chandaka (Heraklion). In the new church, they carried the chariot of St. Titus, the miraculous icon of Panagia Mesopantitissa, and other sacred relics from the temple of Gortyna.
Furthermore, during the Turkish conquest, the church of St. Titus was ceded to Vizier Fazil Ahmet Kioproulis, who turned it into a mosque known as the Vizier Mosque. The great earthquake of 1856 destroyed the church. The architect Athanasios Mousis rebuilt it in its current form as an Ottoman mosque. In the 1920s when the last Muslims left Heraklion with the exchange of populations between Greece and Turkey, they destroyed the minaret of Saint Titus. Finally, today the church operates under the orthodox doctrine.
Heraklion Historic and Culinary Experience – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
A classic tour that will take you to the capital of Crete on a walking and culinary experience. With your guide, you will visit all the historic monuments in the city center. Some are Venetian and some Ottoman, but all blend in nicely with the modern vibe of the city. The church of Apostle Titus, the imposing Fort of Rocca al Mare will inspire you! Continue your tour by having Greek coffee and tasting local delicacies such as the bougatsa. You will also walk and taste various products from the Open-air Market such as cheese, honey, and nuts. Finally, end your tour with an olive oil and wine pairing. In addition, you will learn that olive oil and wine are valuable for Cretan Gastronomy, as they are almost basic ingredients. Cretans love using them in their cooking making extremely tasty dishes.
Gouverneto Monastery – Chania, Crete
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, with a long history but also maintaining (to a large extent) its original appearance, the monastery located in Akrotiri, Chania is one of the most important sights of Crete. It dominates with simple magnificence in a rugged and barren landscape. Surrounded as if it were a castle and dedicated to the Virgin Mary – Lady of the Angels, the Monastery of Gouvernetou is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete.
An impressive complex, which brings at the same time the melancholy beauty that the “tired” of the weight of their hundreds of years old historical buildings have, but also the strict beauty of the monastic aesthetics. Built about 20 km north of Chania, on the Akrotiri peninsula, and just 4 km from the also particularly important monastery of the Holy Trinity Tzagarolos, it is one of the top attractions in the area. Her connection with the life and work of John the Hermit comes to make her even more interesting to her visitor. Not only to the believer who will want to worship and pray but also to the visitor who loves the stories of the past, traditions, and myths of Megalonisos.
West Crete Off the Beaten Path – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
This experience combines adventure, nature with a religious touch. Start your day by hiking a very impressive Avlaki Katholikon Gorge and reach the remarkable Gouverneto Monastery surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. You have 30 minutes more of hiking to do as there is a small yet imposing canyon that will lead you through stunning rocky landscapes by the sea to unique medieval monuments. One of those monuments is a centuries-old monastery that is tucked into the rocks. The Katholiko Monastery. Another is a cave where the ancient temple of Artemis is located. The Arkoudiotissa Cave. We will not spill all the beans, but the treasures do not end there! While exiting the gorge, discover a rocky fjord. Let the sparkly deep blue waters sink in before you end your experience.
Panagia Kera – Lassithi, Crete
Panagia Kera is one of the most historic monasteries of Crete. It is dedicated to the Genesis of the Virgin. It is worth noting that this sacred place was a fortress for Greek soldiers during World War II. The monastery of Kera, which is located on the borders of the prefectures of Heraklion and Lassithi, is said to have a direct connection with the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary which is in Rome. The image represents Panagia Kardiotissa, the Goodhearted Fair Lady. According to tradition, the image was transported to Istanbul during the iconoclasm but returned. However, during the Venetian period, it was stolen and transported to Rome. From 1735 it was replaced by an image that is also considered miraculous. Finally, thousands of visitors visit the monastery every year, who want to witness the miraculous icon of Panagia Kera.
Lassithi Plateau and the Cave of Zeus – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Are you seeking a Cretan adventure? An experience that combines elements such as history, hiking, tradition and agriculture? Our Lassithi Plateau and the Cave of Zeus tour will perfect for you! First, visit the unique and fertile Lassithi Plateau. The stunning views from Dikti Mountain and the traditional villages will amaze you. Your next stop will be the Cave of Zeus, the birthplace of the Father of all Gods, according to Homer. You can either hike to the sacred cave or you can ride a donkey for about twenty minutes. It is up to you! As it is time for lunch, we highly recommend a traditional meal at a local’s house, where you will have the chance to experience traditional mountain cuisine.
Finally, to end your day, you can choose between two fun and interactive activities. A fun Pottery Workshop for the more artistic ones or a Traditional Greek Dance course for the more active ones! Whichever experience you select, we know that you will enjoy it to the fullest!
Have you enjoyed this Article?! For more spiritual experiences, click here. However, if you want to add various elements in your private tour, create your own experience!