4 / 5 - One review
How to get there
3 hours from Chania by road
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
Half a day
Arkadi Monastery (Greece)
©
Robert Young
Practical information about Arkadi Monastery
Reviews of Arkadi Monastery
This majestic monastery rises up in the south-east of the island of Crete, standard and symbol of the Greek resistance.
My suggestion:
It's a very important place in Cretan history; although the visit is fairly informal, I would recommend not taking photos and respecting the sites.
Summary:
The legend of this place shows us the character of Crete. When the Turks managed to break down the door of this monastery, where much of the resistance was hiding, everyone preferred to die rather than surrender or be taken as a prisoner. The weapons reserve room caught fire and almost everyone died (Cretans and Turks). The Arkadi Monastery is a small homage to all the lives lost in this fire which broke out. You can see some human remains in a small ossuary.
I recommend a visit to the Arkadi Monastery especially for the relaxing walk you can take in the outbuildings. You'll be able to see the monks' cells and imagine their life in these walls.
To finish, for history lovers, there's a small museum where you'll be able to put a name and a face to the main members of the Cretan resistance movement. Something which moved me.
©
Robert Young
113 travellers' photos
