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Greece

Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ρεθύμνης

Arkadi Monastery

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Places to see

Greece

Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ρεθύμνης

Arkadi Monastery

Highlight • Religious Site

Arkadi Monastery

Recommended by 81 hikers out of 85

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Location: Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ρεθύμνης, Greece

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Best Hikes to Arkadi Monastery

4.1

(48)

217

hikers

1. Arkadi Monastery Ossuary – Arkadi Monastery loop from Amnatos

12.2km

03:37

370m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.1

(41)

181

hikers

2. Arkadi Monastery – Ossuary of Arkadi Monastery loop from Charkia

11.9km

03:31

360m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.7

(30)

122

hikers

3. Forest of Ancient Oaks – Sandstone Formations loop from Skouloufia

11.5km

03:29

390m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

Claudia Hinkelhuber

August 7, 2020

Arkadi Monastery is a former Orthodox monastery in Crete. It existed from the 14th century to 1866 and is the island's most important national monument. The monastery played a prominent role in the Cretan struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. You can still see the bullets shot by the Turks in the old tree and visit the former powder magazine, where the fighters and women and children blew themselves up so as not to fall into the hands of the Turks.
Arkadi Monastery is a symbol of the pride of the Cretans.

Translated by Google •

Bruce

August 30, 2021

The Arkadi Monastery (in Greek: / Μονή Αρκαδίου) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery, situated on a fertile plateau 23 km (14 mi) to the southeast of Rethymnon on the island of Crete in Greece.

The current catholicon (church) dates back to the 16th century and is marked by the influence of the Renaissance. This influence is visible in the architecture, which mixes both Roman and baroque elements. As early as the 16th century, the monastery was a place for science and art and had a school and a rich library. Situated on a plateau, the monastery is well fortified, being surrounded by a thick and high wall.

The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children,[1] sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the hegumen (abbot) of the monastery, the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender.

The monastery became a national sanctuary in honor of the Cretan resistance. 8 November is a day of commemorative parties in Arkadi and Rethymno. The explosion did not end the Cretan insurrection, but it attracted the attention of the rest of the world.

Bruce

December 11, 2021

The Arkadi Monastery (Greek Μονή Αρκαδίου) is a former Orthodox monastery on Crete. It existed from the 14th century to 1866 and is the island's most important national monument. The monastery played a prominent role in the Cretan struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. The monastery church was depicted on the 100 drachma note until the introduction of the euro.

Translated by Google •

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Informations

Elevation 500 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 29 November

14°C

8°C

10 %

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Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Location: Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Ρεθύμνης, Greece

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Ossuary of Arkadi Monastery

Ancient Aqueduct Tunnel

Arkadi Monastery

Ruined Stone Plateau and Old Farmstead

Agios Antonios Cave Church

Myli Gorge

Ancient Cypress Tree With Bullet, Arkadi Monastery

Sandstone Formations

View of Platania's Gorge

Kerameithan Pottery Workshop

Arched Walkways of Arkadi Monastery

View of the Sea from Mili Gorge

Arkadi Monastery

1. Arkadi Monastery Ossuary – Arkadi Monastery loop from Amnatos

2. Arkadi Monastery – Ossuary of Arkadi Monastery loop from Charkia

3. Forest of Ancient Oaks – Sandstone Formations loop from Skouloufia

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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