Moni Toplou in Palekastro, Crete
Moni Toplou, located 8 kilometers from Palekastro and 20 kilometers east of Sitia, is a renowned museum that showcases exhibits from the Cretan-Turkish war. Spanning over 800 sq. meters, Moni Toplou is a complex of buildings with a name derived from the Turkish word "top" (gun). The main building, once used as cells, guest rooms, apartments, and warehouses, stands tall at three floors in height. The monastery played an important role in safeguarding the eastern Crete coastal areas from pirate raids, withstanding numerous attacks by the Turks. However, it eventually fell, leading to the execution of all the monks and the burning down of the monastery. Plan a visit to Moni Toplou in Palekastro, Crete, and explore its rich history.