Arkadi Monastery in Crete

Arkadi Monastery in Crete

Crete, Greece

Arkady is an Orthodox monastery founded in the 13th century and recognized as a national sanctuary in honor of the Cretan resistance. It’s one of the most important monasteries of the country, standing as a national symbol, not only in Crete but in the Greek territory as well.

It’s located 30 minutes south-east of Rethymno by car, on a plateau surrounded by gorges and forests. Roads are winding and narrow but perfectly paved, so you can make it even with a Fiat Punto. The parking lot is quite big, so you won’t struggle finding a parking spot.

The monastery has achieved worldwide renown and was sanctified as a symbol of self-sacrifice, freedom and heroism for what happened during the period of the Cretan Revolution against Turkish domination in 1866. The story says that after three days of a merciless battle, Cretans sacrificed themselves by blowing up barrels of gunpowder.

The church dates back to the 16th century. It was a very important place for science and art, having a very rich library.

There is also a museum and an art gallery. The museum displays various relics from the time of the foundation of the monastery. Outside of the monastery, you will find the old windmill that was turned into a memorial to commemorate the ones fallen during the siege of the Ottomans, where you will find statues of important figures and the remains of cretan fighters.

The entrance fee is 3€. You will need to spend around 1h if you want to visit the whole circuit. It’s not a crowded place at all.

You will find very friendly cats roaming in the courtyard of the monastery .

At the parking lot there are free toilets.

It’s an interesting place from a cultural and historical point of view.