This monastery, situated 25 km from Chania at the foot of the Rodopou Peninsula, has a long history dating back to the 13th century, but the present building dates from the 17th century and was subsequently repaired or rebuilt following the Ottoman invasions!

It overlooks the Gulf of Chania near the port of Kolymvári and, from a distance, resembles a Venetian fortress. Also known as the Monastery of Our Lady of Gonia and the Monastery of Panagia Odigitria, it is situated near the Orthodox Academy of Crete, an important centre for religious studies. It is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm (appropriate clothing required).

A large U-shaped courtyard surrounds a church dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary; unfortunately, photography is not permitted inside. All around the courtyard are the monks’ cells, storerooms and various living quarters, which are, of course, not open to visitors.

Au sous-sol se trouve un intéressant musée d'art religieux, qui présente des icônes, des livres anciens, des codex historiques et des objets et habits ecclésiastiques.

At the very end of the courtyard, a door leads onto a small terrace offering a magnificent view of the sea. A cannonball remains embedded in one of the walls, a reminder of the monastery’s turbulent history.

Useful links

Incredible Crete (The official tourism website of Crete) - Wikipedia