The Venetian Monastery of Arkadi was the scene of one of the most significant events in Cretan history in 1866

The Monastry of Arkadi is only a few kilometers away from ours villa to rent (14km), you will discover the picturesque Monastery of Arkadi.

Situated near the slopes of Mount Psiloritis, this site is equally known for the natural beauty of the surroundings and for the symbol it stands for; the Cretan resistance against the Turkish occupying forces. The Monastery was indeed the scene of one of the most significant events in Cretan history. In 1866, the Turks tried to put down uprisings on the island. Hundreds of men, women and children escaped from their villages to find shelter in the Monastery. As the Turkish soldiers were coming close to the building, the refugees set the gunpowder warehouse on fire and thus decided to die rather than surrender to the enemy. From that day, Arkadi remains the symbol of the Cretan rebelliousness.

Built during the 16th century, the monastery holds an impressive, baroque, Venetian church within its ochre-colored walls. The courtyard opens on different alleyways leading to cells and to a small museum dedicated to the history of the Monastery. The visitor will be amazed by the silence, the color of the stones from the area and by the large amount of flowers, well –looked after by the monk who lives there which gives this place a sacred feeling where time seems to have stopped.

Villas Maroulas : Villa in Crete to rent Situated near the monastery of Arkadi