sacred monastery of arkadi

The story behind the monastery truly is worth visiting it. If possible, get yourself a local guide or read before visiting. You will realize that the place really holds one good example of the true Crete stories. Besides that, it's simply a beautiful place to visit.

We took the little yellow train, its a great way to see the sights, and to get to know the history of the country.

This Eastern Orthodox Monastery (Church and compound) built in venetian architecture looks like a fortress and sits on top of a fertile plateau about a half-hour drive south of Rethymno.In addition to the beautiful structures, the vegetation, the icons, frescos etc.. the place is charged with emotion. This site played an exemplary role in the Cretan resistance to Ottoman rule. In 1866 after three days of battle, the 964 Greeks of mostly women and children (that had sought refuge in the monastery) blew up barrels of gunpowder choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender; 846 died, the rest made prisoners while 3 or 4 did manage to escape.This place is really worth the trip!

Both the monastery and its compound are delightful examples of Venetian architecture and are a nice break from the Byzantine. The picturesque twin gabled monastery contains fine icons and frescos. The monastery is the historic site of a mass suicide in defence against the Turks and is commemorated in a separate memorial. Entrance fee is €2.50.

Arkadi monastery is well worth a visit. It's history is amazing & it's buildings are in fantastic condition. Only about 30 mins drive from Rethymno.

...it is worthy to visit this monastery. It is not only because has an important place in local history and the Greek resistance for Ottomans, not only so many people sacrificed their lives by burning themselves, not only because Arkadi monastery was printed on 100 drachmas (banknotes before join the euro), but also because is a nice drive up to the mountain where the monastery is builded in a peaceful area. You will not regret this visit, believe me!

This is the very special place with a unique spirit. If you are in Crete and can visit only one monestery, go for this one. It's location and architecture is simply picturesque. You will not be dissapointed.

Cute little monastery about half an hour outside Rethimno,nice for a gentle wander around , but really it is a good job it is only euro 2.5, as there is not a lot to engage you after about 30 minutes.

We visited here as my other half was interested in learning some history whilst on holiday.. It's not really my thing but went along obviously! The drive there is really pretty. There is a small fee to get in and the place itself has been restored well. It was a lovely hot day when we went but it wasn't over crowded or anything. For me the let down was that there was very little information on the place when we got there like dates and explanations of the history of the place - unless we were completely blind and missed it? We ended up having to Google it which kind of felt like it made the visit a bit pointless.

if you like history then it is worth a trip to go and see it they have a shop were you can buy there articals they make all the things in the shop them selves

Arkadi monastery marks a very tragic event in Cretan history. The monastery is located amongst some beautiful rolling hills and plains, about 20 minutes drive from Rethymnon. Take the time to learn about the history and explore the beautiful monastery and its surroundings. There is a small fee to get in but its worth it.

The Arkadi monastery is in a beautiful site on the mountain. It is the place where people decided to sacrifice themselves in order to avoid being enslaved by the Turks.

Easy to get to. A very quiet place for spiritual activity. Excellent cafe/restaurant nearby, the Cretan specialities, overlooking a gorge belonging in a national park. Do try goat-milk yoghurt with thyme honey and walnuts and a coffee. Yum!

It was a gray and rainy day, when we visited the monastery. And made lots of pictures. It is a beautiful building, with lots of flowers, old walls, and other photogenic artifacts. Historically it is an important building, a lot of men with big mustaches died there...

Wonderful place, full of history. Beatiful church and iconas. The view from the monadtery is impressive too. Nice museum.