Arkadi Monastery

About

The 16th-century Eastern Orthodox Arkadi Monastery has quite a story to tell: it is a symbol of Cretan resistance to Ottoman rule, as almost a thousand Cretans blew themselves up on the monastery’s grounds rather than surrender to the conquerors during a siege in 1866. With origins allegedly dating back to the 5th century, this ancient pilgrimage site is famous for its church, the Katholikon, built in the Venetian style and influenced by Renaissance with Roman and baroque elements. Being one of the main landmarks of Crete, the church will look back at you from every postcard, and it only makes sense to see it in person. In the 16th century, the monastery was the center of education and manuscript culture and later – of the art of golden embroidery. In addition to the church, visitors can examine the monastery’s fortified walls along the perimeter, monks’ cells, a garden, a small museum with religious and historical artifacts, and even a building with skulls and bones from the infamous battle. The monastery is open throughout the year, but we recommend verifying seasonal opening hours. A small entrance fee applies to foreign visitors.