CHANIA TRAVEL GUIDE

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CHURCHES & MONASTERIES

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity - Mourtaron or Tzagkarolon, is located 16 km from Chania. The monastery is the largest and most impressive on the island. It took its name from two Venetian monks, Ieramia and Lavrentio Tzagkarolo, who accepted the Orthodox dogma. The two monks rebuilt an older church that was owned by the Mourtaron family in the 17th century. The largest part of the monastery was completed 30 years later.

During the Greek revolution in 1821 the monastery was destroyed by the Ottomans. About 1854 the monastery was rebuilt including the additions of the chapels of the Cross and Sts Apostles. The monastery museum contains relics saved from the 1821 revolution.

The Goubernetou Monastery

The Goubernetou Monastery is located on Akrotiri, 20 km from Chania and is one of the oldest on the island, dating back to 1537 when it was built by Catholic monks. The monastery looks more like a fortress and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The monastery was destroyed during the revolution of 1821, with many of the monks being killed. It was rebuilt in the 19th century in the neo classical style.

The Gonias Monastery

The Gonias Monastery is located 26 km from Chania and 1 km from Kolymbari. This monastery dates back to the 9th century and is dedicated to Mary of Guidance. The monastery was destroyed many times by the Turks and the Germans for its rebellious stance.

The monastery has an exceptional Byzantine collection of icons and is also home to the Orthodox Academy of Crete, a significant religious and spiritual centre of the Church of Crete.

The Chrissoskalitissa Monastery

The Monastery of the Chrisoskalitsas Madonna is located 76 km from Chania, built on a rock with views overlooking the Libyan Sea. So named from the legend that one of the 90 steps leading to it was paved in gold and only true sinners could see it! The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the Holy Trinity.

The Chryssopygis Monastery

The Chryssopigis Monastery is 3 km from Chania and dedicated to the Madonna of the Life-giving Spring. It was founded in the 16th century by Ioannis Hartofylaka, a doctor and philosopher from Chania.

Though the ages it has been subjected to damage at the hands of the Turkish and Germans occupiers of Crete.

In 1976, its inhabitants were changed over to women and now there are about 30 nuns and novices from various parts of Greece and abroad. The community works on holy writings, restoration of religious books and icons, church embroidery, as well as organically grown produce.