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Arkadi Monastery

Rethymnon, Crete

Arkadi Monastery - Moní Arkadíou - Μονή Αρκαδίου

The monastery is located 22 km inland from Rethymnon town, set amongst the rolling hills and gorges of the Amari Valley. Buses travel daily between Rethymnon town and the monastery.

The original monastery and large grounds was built in the 16th century. The location, grounds and architecture alone make this a very enjoyable visit. Combined with a visit to the Amari Valley, Arkadi Gorge or E4 European Walking Paths, this makes for a full day of exploring Crete and the Rethymnon region.

History of Arkadi

Arkadi Monastery grounds (image by Michael Reidel)

The grounds of the monastery include cloisters, gardens, a refectory, a museum, cellars, stockrooms, the church the gunpowder magazine

This monastery played an important part in Cretan history during the rebellion against Turkish domination of the island. In 1866, the monastery came to the notice of the Turkish Pasha as many rebels were sheltering there and in the rough gorges and hills nearby. Hence the monastery became a symbol of insurrection and freedom fighting, and a safe haven for Cretans fleeing the Turks.

So a Turkish fighting force of 1500 attacked the 950 or so men, women and children who were sheltering in the monastery grounds. When the attack became successful and things looked grim for the rebels, the Abbott gave the order, as planned, to blow up the gunpowder stores and kill the rebels, women and children, rather than fall into the hands of the Turks.

This is indeed what happened, and so many proud Cretans died that day, 9th November 1866. The news of the rebels actions swept across Europe at that time and lead to further support for Greek independence.

The façade of the church has been rebuilt in a breathtaking Venetian style, the interior church dates from 1587. There is a museum within the grounds of the monastery, which tells the story of the 1866 uprising. Here is kept the official banner of the rebellion, vestments and relics of the monastery. The monastery still functions as a religious centre.

Today, a visit to the monastery and grounds is an inspiring reminder of our modern freedoms, and a chance for a deeper insight into the Cretan spirit. Visit the Venetian Church, the Gunpowder Magazine, the Refectory, the Ossuary, as well as the grounds of the Monastery.

There is a café and gift shop outside the monastery, where you can find local honey, raki and handcrafts. Outside the fortress-like walls of the monastery are stables and a monument to the 1866 tragedy.

Close by are the villages of Margarites, Pikris and Kapsaliana, where descendants of the rebels can tell you the story of the holocaust.

Many thanks to Nikos for this beautiful atmospheric photograph of the church of the monastery (above).

Getting to the Monastery

To drive to this inspirational place, take the national highway east of Rethymnon for 5 km, then turn off inland and pass through the villages of Adele and Kiriana. The monastery is set strategically at the top of the small Arkádi gorge near the village of Amnatos.Total distance is 22 km.

KTEL bus timetables Rethymnon to monastery and return

Arkadi Monastery Garden

Day Tours

Day Tour of Arkadi, Ancient Eleftherna, Margarites and Rethymnon Region - this full-day tour offers a journey through the ages and some of the prettiest countryside of Rethymno. With a knowledgeable guide, explore Ancient Eleftherna, Arkadi Monastery, Margarites Village and enjoy a local Cretan lunch at a traditional taverna in Asteri Village. 10 hours.

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Cretan Culture Tour and Pottery Workshop - departing from Rethymnon town and surrounds, visit ancient Eleftherna, the Arkadi Monastery, Margarites village and see a pottery workshop with experienced local craftspeople. Relax for lunch in Margarites before visiting an olive farm and the Melidoni Cave. Full day tour.

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Visit the Amari Valley

The Amari Valley in Crete is home to many small villages

The Amari Valley in Crete is lush and green as it is fed by many waterways

The fertile Amari Valley runs nearby which is a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables with many villages to explore. With the Psiloritis range dominating the skyline you would be forgiven for feeling in awe of the mountain views. Here grow olives, apples, cherries, vegetables, spring flowers and more, with many ancient sites, Byzantine chapels, rivulets and streams. After the Monastery, drive on to Thronos, Agia Fotini, then Meronas village then on to Kardaki, Amari and Fourfouras village.

At Monastiraki visit the ancient olive grove with trees so old they are now classed as 'monumental'. That is, they are honoured as a natural monument by the Cretan Association of Olive Municipalities. If you hear them whisper, what might they say?

There are many viewpoints and idyllic spots to stop for lunch or a picnic, so leave plenty of time to explore. Continue eastwards to Zaros and the Heraklion region or return to Rethymnon.

Arkadi Gorge & Around

Ancient Eleftherna, Crete

The Arkadi Gorge runs from the village of Pikris up to the Monastery for approximately 6.5 km. Nearby is the archaeological site of Ancient Eleftherna and the modern village of the same name, the site containing remnants of a city from Dorian and Hellenistic times (dating from 600 BC) is a wide open site to explore without panting hordes or queues behind you, and a state of the art museum. At the base of Psiloritis and sitting amidst ravines, this is Cretan culture history at its most fascinating.

The E4 European Walking Path

The E4 European Walking Path in Crete includes the Arkadi Monastery on the trail. From west to east, the path weaves through the countryside from Prasies then along the country road from Kavousio to the monastery. The route from Prasies to the monastery is 15.5 km, then the next route which follows the road for a short while, then deviates across country to ancient Eleftherna, is 12 km ending at the village of Margarites.

Videos

The video below is about the whole region of Amari

The video below is a very good journalistic report on the monastery.

Arkadi Monastery Images

Some beautiful images of the Arkadi Monastery below:

Μονή Αρκαδίου - Crete - the apse of the church

The facade of the church is designed in the Venetian style

Getting to Crete

To get to Arkadi Monastery you can arrive via Chania or Heraklion airports or port, as it is located very close to the centre of the island. Take a car or local bus from either destination.

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.