From Chania to Agia Triada and Guverneto SEE ALL AVAILABLE ROUTES
Akrotiri (Promontory), a short distance from Chania, is of particular interest for religious tourism, because the most important monasteries which still are active are situated there. They are excellent in every aspect of their function and combine the man-made with the natural environment in the most balanced manner. As we leave Chania behind, we go uphill along the pine covered slope to Akrotiri and pass Prophet Elijah’s chapel, next to which are the Venizelos’ family graves. Moving on to the village of Korakies, one can visit the Monastery of St. John the Baptist (Ioannis Prodromos). On the north side of the Akrotiri plain stands the Tzagarola Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada ton Tzagarolon), one of the largest and most important monasteries on the island. Further north there is the Guverneto Monastery and then, along the paved path, one can reach the imposing gorge with one of the oldest monasteries on Crete, that of St. John the Merciful (Agios Ioannis Eleimon).
Prodromou (St. John the Baptist) Monastery at Korakies
The Monastery of St. John the Baptist at Korakies has existed since the period of Venetian and used to be a convent. The Catholicon, which is being restored, has two aisles and stands in the centre of the long monastery cloisters. The Church has been extended many times with changes that adulterated its original style. […]
Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Monastery
This is situated at Akrotiri, a location planted with olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees. Architecturally it is one of the most important examples of the Cretan Renaissance. According to tradition it was funded by brothers Jeremiah and Lorenzo of the old Venetian family of the Zagaroloi, who were monks in the nearby monastery of […]
Guverneto Monastery
The Guverneto Monastery is situated at the northeast end of Akrotiri, on a location full of lentisks, thyme, wild olive trees and carob trees. It is one of the oldest monasteries of Akrotiri. Guverneto was founded after the 11th century and destroyed by fire before 1765. The bloodiest pages of its history were written during […]
