murals
Holy Monastery of Valsamonero
Even though the exact date of the foundation of the monastery is unknown, it may have been constructed in the 14th century, the same date as the original church, which today is the aisle of the All-Holy Virgin. The abbot, Jonas Palamas, was a leading figure of the monastery in the early 15th century, who […]
Holy Monastery of Vrontisi
The monastery of St. Anthony at Vrontisi is located at the southern feet of the sierra of Psiloreites, at a distance of around 2 kilometres from the settlement of Zaros. Even though the first written references to the monastery date to the early 15th century, it is possible that it was founded much earlier. The […]
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 […]
Holy Monastery of Kera – Kardiotissa
The foundation and the history of the monastery, the first mention of which dates to 1333 is inextricably linked to the wonderworking icon of the All-Holy Virgin the Kardiotissa [the type of icon where the Virgin holds Christ in her arms above her heart], which according to tradition was painted by St. Lazaros, a monk […]
Holy Monastery of Gouverniotissa at Potamies
The All-Holy Virgin Gouverniotissa [the ‘Mistress/Governor’], located a little before the settlement of Potamies, was founded in the early Venetian period and belonged to the feud of Laurentius Malipetri during the 14th century. Sections of the cells, mainly of the 19th century, from the presently dissolved monastery are preserved, as well as the catholicon of […]
Agioi Apostoloi (Holy Apostles) (Lithines)
Built in 1415, this is a single-space arch-covered church with numerous murals. Its depictions of the Christological cycle (particularly elaborate, depicting a total of 17 scenes) and the Second Coming are most impressive.
All – Holy Virgin at Lithines
A twin-naved church was added to the south side of the single-nave church of the All-Holy Virgin, in the middle of the settlement, during the 1950s. The wall painting decoration of the old aisle, of the 14th century, has scenes from the Christological and Marian cycles with the scene of the Second Coming occupying the […]
Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas) (Ziros)
This is a 16th-century church featuring murals that are rather poorly preserved. It is possible to discern engravings dating back to 1507 and 1515.
Agia Paraskevi (St. Paraskevi) (Ziros)
This is possibly the oldest church in the hamlet of Ziros. It is adorned with murals and dates back to 1523.
Metamorfosi tou Christou (Transfiguration of Christ) (Chandras)
A large, single-space church, it dates back to the mid-15th century and quite likely once served as catholicon to a monastery than no longer survives. The church is extensively decorated and its murals survive in relatively good condition. Worthy of note are the depictions of the Twelve Great Feasts and of scenes of the Second […]
