Crete is a beautiful island located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is the largest island in Greece and is known for its rich history and culture. One of the most fascinating aspects of Crete is its monasteries. These monasteries are not only religious sites but also architectural marvels that attract visitors from all over the world. In this article, we will explore the most visited monasteries in Crete.

The Monastery of Arkadi

The Monastery of Arkadi is located in the Rethymnon region of Crete. It was built during the 16th century and is one of the most important monasteries on the island. The monastery played a significant role in the Cretan revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1866. The Ottomans attacked the monastery, and the monks and civilians who had taken refuge there decided to blow themselves up rather than surrender. This event became known as the "Holocaust of Arkadi" and is considered a symbol of Cretan resistance.

Today, the Monastery of Arkadi is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can admire the beautiful architecture of the monastery, which features a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles. The monastery also houses a museum that displays artifacts from its history, including weapons and clothing worn by the rebels during the revolution.

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The Monastery of Preveli

The Monastery of Preveli is located on the south coast of Crete, near the town of Plakias. It was founded during the 16th century and played an important role in the Cretan revolution against the Ottoman Empire. The monastery was destroyed several times during its history, but it was always rebuilt.

The Monastery of Preveli is known for its stunning location, overlooking a gorge and a river that flows into the sea. Visitors can admire the beautiful architecture of the monastery, which features a mix of Byzantine and Venetian styles. The monastery also houses a museum that displays artifacts from its history, including icons and manuscripts.

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The Monastery of Toplou

The Monastery of Toplou is located in the eastern part of Crete, near the town of Sitia. It was founded during the 15th century and played an important role in the Cretan revolution against the Ottoman Empire. The monastery was destroyed several times during its history, but it was always rebuilt.

The Monastery of Toplou is known for its beautiful architecture, which features a mix of Byzantine and Venetian styles. Visitors can admire the stunning frescoes that decorate the walls of the monastery's church. The monastery also houses a museum that displays artifacts from its history, including icons and manuscripts.

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The Monastery of Agia Triada

The Monastery of Agia Triada is located in the Akrotiri region of Crete, near the town of Chania. It was founded during the 17th century and is one of the most important monasteries on the island. The monastery played a significant role in the Cretan revolution against the Ottoman Empire.

The Monastery of Agia Triada is known for its beautiful architecture, which features a mix of Renaissance and Baroque styles. Visitors can admire the stunning frescoes that decorate the walls of the monastery's church. The monastery also houses a museum that displays artifacts from its history, including icons and manuscripts.

The Monastery of Agios Georgios Selinari

Located inside the gorge of the same name, the Monastery of Agios Georgios Selinari and its little historic chapel are easily accessible from the new National Road that links Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.

The legend says that a monk from Rhodes built a chapel in honor of St. George after having a vision of him. The monastery dates back to the second Byzantine era. He passed away within the large cross that is still perched atop Anavlochou, inside a carved rock. The miraculous image of St. George is said to have protected the monks throughout the Turkish rule. For tourists passing through Crete, Agios Georgios Selinari, the patron saint of travelers, is a popular place of pilgrimage.

The Monastery of Gouverneto

Situated on the Akrotiri peninsula, Gouverneto Monastery is 4 km away from Agia Triada Monastery and 19 km north of Chania. Also called the Lady of Angels, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete and was built by Catholic church monks who left the location due to piracy in 1537 at a height of 260 meters. Construction on it began during the Venetian era, but was put on hold after the Turkish invasion. After several years, and with special permission from the Turks, the temple was finally completed.

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Conclusion

Crete's monasteries are not only religious sites but also architectural marvels that attract visitors from all over the world. The Monastery of Arkadi, the Monastery of Preveli, the Monastery of Toplou, and Agia Triada, as well as Agios Georgios Selinari and Gouvernetou, are just a few of the most visited monasteries on the island. 
Each of these monasteries has a rich history and unique architecture that is worth exploring. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or religion, a visit to one of Crete's monasteries is a must.