Arkadi Monastery — Attraction in Municipality of Rethymnon

The Monastery of Arkadi is an ancient monastery with great importance in the local history of Crete. Its history is intertwined with major events that accompanied the island in the last centuries, most notably the uprising against Ottoman rule in 1866, and the horrifying event of the 8th and 9th of November 1866, during which 964 locals (325 warriors and the rest - women and children), were fortified at the monastery. The Greek force under the command of Ioannis Dimakopoulos, refused the Turks' demand to surrender,

As a result, the Turks launched a massive offensive on 8 of November 1866, with an excess force of over 7,000 troops. After heavy exchanges of fire, the Turks managed to infiltrate the monastery in the evening, and fierce face-to-face battles took place in its courtyard. When the Greeks realized that they had no power to stop the Turks, they concentrated in one of the rooms which was laden with barrels of explosive gunpowder, and as soon as the Turks tried to enter the place, they ignited the material resulting in a huge explosion during which most of the locals were killed, and many Turks as well.

The massacre continued the next day , when the commander of the Greek force decided to surrender, but the Turks beheaded all the surviving fighters. Most of the warriors, women and children were killed during this heroic battle.

The heroism of the Greeks in the bloody battle that took place in the monastery became another symbol in the heroic struggle of the Greek people against the Turkish occupation on the way to its independence. The monastery was restored and rebuilt after the massacre and it was declared by UNESCO as a European...

What a beautiful place, despite the tragedy that took place in November 1866, which is of Greek legend. Such tranquility, despite all the visitors. The outer edge of the courtyard is planted with dozens of rose bushes, and lots were out in flower, their scent filled the air. Upon arrival, there is a large car park and some free (and very clean) toilets. Once you arrive at the main entrance, you can purchase your tickets, only €4 per adult. There are a number of maps available in different languages, which will aid your guide around the monastery. The church in the centre of the courtyard is a wonder of architecture and historic delight inside. There are different rooms you can access around the courtyard, each displaying many different items. I especially liked the church vestments, which were still bright, colourful and unique with gold embroidery, despite their age. Once you have circumnavigated the courtyard, you can visit the ossary, which is across the carpark. We visited on a Monday, at around 11am, and the carpark had around 12 coaches parked up. These held mainly school children, who were all very polite as they moved around, but we did have a couple of occasions, where we had to wait for them all to come out of a room, before we could go in. I'd suggest maybe going after lunch if you want...

Arkadi Monastery is a Cretan jewel, earning its 5-star status effortlessly. The architecture, a harmonious blend of Renaissance and Baroque styles, is a visual delight against the lush landscape. Beyond aesthetics, its compelling history adds depth. The monastery played a pivotal role in the Cretan resistance during the Ottoman occupation, with the heroic Arkadi explosion etched into its legacy.

The journey itself is a feast for the eyes. Enroute, the Cretan countryside unfolds with scenic vistas, olive groves, and charming villages, setting the perfect stage for the spiritual encounter that awaits. As you approach the monastery, the panoramic views are breathtaking, providing a sense of tranquility that complements the solemnity of the site.

Arkadi Monastery is a testament to architectural finesse, historical significance, and natural beauty—a must-visit destination that seamlessly weaves together culture, history, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Tip: Plan your visit in the morning to experience the monastery in soft sunlight, enhancing the beauty of its intricate details and surrounding scenery. It's a serene time to absorb the...