The monastery that embodies the concept of freedom
On a lush green plateau of Rethymno, one of the most emblematic monuments of Crete awaits you; a timeless symbol of freedom, faith, and sacrifice: Arkadi Monastery. Its history is inextricably linked to the Cretan Revolt of 1866. At the time, this is where the monks and locals locked themselves away, besieged by the Ottomans, and ,rather than surrendering, they chose to blow up the gunpowder stores, surrendering the monastery to the flames and their souls to eternity. Since then, Arkadi is more than a sacred place of pilgrimage. It is also a site of reflection for every visitor.
The architecture of the monastery and the impressive Renaissance façade of the church of Agion Konstantinou ke Elenis (the Saints Constantine and Helen) will fascinate you with the craftsmanship of the monks who built it in the 16th century. Inside the monastery you can visit the church (the Katholikon), the historical Trapeza (dining hall), the Kelarika (where flour and bread was prepared and stored), the Gunpowder store, the Museum, as well as the Gallery.
The Museum of Arkadi Monastery exhibits priceless ecclesiastical relics, icons and manuscripts, vestments, books, etc. The collection of weapons and artefacts from the Revolt of 1866 stand out, bearing witness to the greatness and tragedy of the events. The Gallery displays works by older and younger artists inspired by the Destruction of the Monastery, and its general historical and spiritual journey through the centuries.
From the courtyard you can take in the views of the surrounding mountains, filled with light and serenity. The route to get there is easy, with beautiful landscapes and traditional hamlets. The Monastery is the starting point of the impressive Arkadiotiko Gorge, which ends at the village of Pikris, after a verdant two-hour route.
Visit the Arkadi Monastery and feel the aura of a place where freedom became action and eternal memory.
The architecture of the monastery and the impressive Renaissance façade of the church of Agion Konstantinou ke Elenis (the Saints Constantine and Helen) will fascinate you with the craftsmanship of the monks who built it in the 16th century. Inside the monastery you can visit the church (the Katholikon), the historical Trapeza (dining hall), the Kelarika (where flour and bread was prepared and stored), the Gunpowder store, the Museum, as well as the Gallery.
The Museum of Arkadi Monastery exhibits priceless ecclesiastical relics, icons and manuscripts, vestments, books, etc. The collection of weapons and artefacts from the Revolt of 1866 stand out, bearing witness to the greatness and tragedy of the events. The Gallery displays works by older and younger artists inspired by the Destruction of the Monastery, and its general historical and spiritual journey through the centuries.
From the courtyard you can take in the views of the surrounding mountains, filled with light and serenity. The route to get there is easy, with beautiful landscapes and traditional hamlets. The Monastery is the starting point of the impressive Arkadiotiko Gorge, which ends at the village of Pikris, after a verdant two-hour route.
Visit the Arkadi Monastery and feel the aura of a place where freedom became action and eternal memory.
