Arkadi Monastery (Crete) – Visit Tips + Photos

The most significant religious site in Crete is the Arkadi Monastery. It played a vital role in the resistance against the Turks.
A visit is a must do to learn more and to experience its unique atmosphere!
Below is my guide to help you plan your visit with map, tips and pictures.

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Arkadi is the most famous and the most visited monastery in Crete. And it was one of my favorites. This is a good stop to have on your Crete road trip.
It deserves a visit because:

• It is considered a symbol fo sacrifices and liberty 
• It played a significant role in the history of Crete (see the section about the history of Arkadi)
• It has been well maintained and allows the visitor to enter a lot of rooms and sections
• It has a unique atmosphere I have not found in other monasteries around the island of Crete
• Some websites says that it has been designated by the Unesco as a European Freedom monument. However I can't find any reference to such a classification on the Unesco website... and it did not see any signs referring to this at the monastery.

How to get to the Arkadi Monastery location

How to get there

• If you don't want to drive, you can find day trips from Rethymno or Chania including the monastery of Arkadi - Check out the programs
• But I recommend renting a car for more freedom to explore the island

My tips:

• My option 1 - Check out the local company Rental Center Crete - excellent ratings and a zero-excess insurance policy included
• My option 2 - Compare prices on Discovercars.com - one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (with enough power for comfort on mountain roads)
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
• See my 36 tips about renting a car in Crete
  

Arkadi Monastery Map

Visiting the Arkadi Monastery - Tips

Where to stay around Arkadi - Hotels

The monastery has a very long history, that could take hours and hours.... Before I share with you pictures of the various elements to explore within the fortifications, below is a summary of the essential moments to give you context:

• The date of the founding of the monastery is not known - several versions exist - An inscription seems to indicate that the monastery was there during the 14th century and dedicated to Saint Constantine
• In 1722 it was  extensively rebuilt and became a well organized community with a high standard of learning.
• The current church was built in the 16th century
• During the Ottoman period in the 17th and 18th, the monastery was allowed to be rebuilt and to keep ringing the bells, and it continued to prosper, particularly wit its well known wine (the monastery is located on a fertile plateau)
• In 1822, the monastery was pillaged
• During those 2 centuries or Turkish occupation several uprising occurred and were defeated 
• During the 1866 revolution,  the tragedy of the Arkadi monastery was the center of the revolution movement. It was used as a shelter for men, women and children. It was attacked on the 8th November but resisted thanks to its fortified walls. However on the 9th, the Turks made it inside. Decision was taken to set the barrels of powder killing both the locals hidden in the powder room and the Turks forces trying to enter.
• The Battle of Arkadi was considered a Victory by the Turks but it provoked indignation around the world and in Crete. It had a significant impact on how the rest of the world viewed the conflict.

As you arrive on the carpark, what you first see the fortification wall protecting the monastery and the gate.
It gives it a feeling of a fortress rather than a monastery. Very strange.
The door dates back to 1870. It was built to replace the 1693 one destroyed during the attack.

As soon as you enter the cloister, you are attracted by the golden facade of the church. It survived the attack.
It was built in 1587 to replace a smaller church from the 13th century.
You can notice the 4 pairs of Corinthian columns and the archways in between.
The 2 exterior ones have circular opening decorated by palm leaves.

One of the most famous elements of the cloister is the dead tree. It has been left there because you can still see the bullet holes in it.
This cypress is the standing witness of the battle that unfolded here.
Sadly many visitors take stupid pictures with it.

Contrary to other monasteries in Crete, this one is really organized for visitors with numbered locations to visit and explanations. 
Things have been restored and tools placed to try and show how life was inside.

You can enjoy the architecture with the corridors and visit some cells. You can see the set up of a typical monk cell.
I was surprised by the number of cell. But then I read that "until the 16th century, it was an idiorrhythmic monastery where each monk had its own cell, owned property and was responsible for regulating its own life".

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