From Kera Eleoussa to Agarathos Monastery and Epanosifis monastery SEE ALL AVAILABLE ROUTES
East of Heraklion, in the Gouves area, we follow the road south to Kera Eleoussa Monastery, which is situated on a hill near Voritsi village and is a glebe of Agarathos Monastery.
We continue to the southwest, traversing the Galifa hamlet to Episkopi, with its numerous Byzantine churches, the most remarkable of which is the church of Agios Minas.
We will then visit the interesting Reliquary of the Monastery of the Dormition of Mother Mary or Agarathos Monastery, before moving on to the Peza area, where we will follow the route to Houdetsi. The Holy Sinaitic Monastery of Panagia Spileotissa is located on the hillside of the verdant valley, just before the hamlet.
We head southwards to Agios Georgios Epanosifis Monastery, which includes a museum featuring important relics.
We will return to Heraklion after visiting the noteworthy traditional hamlet of Archanes and Mount Yiouhtas, at the peak of which is the church of Afentis Christos.
Epanosifis (Upper Sifis) Monastery
This is one of the largest and richest monasteries on Crete. It flourished during the era of Ottoman rule and is dedicated to Saint George. The structure of the monastery is reminiscent of 17th century secular Cretan architecture with independent cells, one built next to each other. The Refectory and the priory are located west […]
Panagia Spileotissa (Virgin Mary of the Cave) Monastery
The Monastery of the Virgin Mary of the Cave is located on the hillside of a small canyon north of Houdetsi and is a glebe of Sina Monastery. The Monastery was founded in the 14th century and is built on three levels. The top level includes the Church of the True Cross and another church […]
Agarathos Monastery
Agarathos Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on Crete (founded during the 2nd Byzantine era), is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. During the 16th century, the monastery started being fortified and taking on the form of a citadel. During the era of Venetian rule, it was an important seminary for clergymen. During the era of […]
