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Arkadi Monastery (Crete) – Visit Tips + Photos

Last updated on August 2, 2022 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

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.

Arkadi monastery Crete Travel Pin2

Table Of Contents
Why visit the Arkadi Monastery in Crete?
Planning tips & Map - Monastery of Arkad, Crete
Facts an History about the Arkadi Monastery Crete
Fortifications & Entrance to Arkadi monastery
The church of Arkadi
The bullet tree
Other things to do see at the monastery (Refectory, cells...)
Museum of Arkadi
Things to do around Arkadi

In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).


Why visit the Arkadi Monastery in Crete?

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.

One of the most famous places to visit in Crete.

Visit Arkadi monastery Crete

Vistural visit - Arkadi monastery

Below is a short video to give you an idea of what it looks like to visit the Monastery:

More photos after the planning tips


Planning tips & Map - Monastery of Arkad, Crete

How to get to the Arkadi Monastery location

  • The monastery is quite easy to access. The roads are not difficult
  • You can find a large carpark at the entrance of the monastery 
  • Heraklion to Arkadi - 2h drive
  • Rethymno to Arkadi - 30min drive
  • Chania to Arkadi - 1h30 drive
  • Altitude: 500m
  • Below is a map to help you get oriented:
Location Arkadi Monastery Crete Map

Location of Arkadi Monastery in Crete - Map

This highlight is (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) included in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your road trip around Crete:

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

small Crete eBook Cover
  • 5 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 60+ scenic locations - pre-selected
  • 16+ extra photo stops and places 
  • Planning info to make the most of your time
  • GPS coordinates for peace of mind
  • 150+ original photos to you choose

LEARN MORE

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
Renting a car Crete tips
+ read more
carpark Arkadi monastery Crete

Arkadi carpark

Arkadi Monastery Map

Near the ticket booth, you can find a map of the different places to see around the cloister.
The map is also included in the mini-guide you receive at entrance.

map Arkadi monastery Crete

Arkadi Monastery Map

Visiting the Arkadi Monastery - Tips

  • Arkadi Opening Hours - At least 9am to 6pm every day in Summer (at least to 4pm in Winter)
  • Arkadi Entrance fee - 3 euros
  • Arkadi Monastery  Dress Code - I have seen people entering in shorts. They don't seem as strict as other monasteries. But you should cover knees and shoulders by default.
  • Accessibility - It is easy to visit the monastery. Few steps to get to the second level if you want.
  • Photography rules - no photography in the church allowed (like in all churches in Crete) - I noticed in other monastery that photos were not allowed in museums. I did not see a sign for this one but I may have missed it.
  • Facilities - Toilets on the carpark, Snack across the carpark (Arkadi café)
  • Below is a picture of the mini-guide you receive (included in the entrance fee). They have different languages:
visit arkadi monastery map

Where to stay around Arkadi - Hotels

For visiting Arkadi, staying in the touristic town of Rethymno is quite practical. It is only 30min away. Check out the best rated accommodations in Rethymno.
But if you want something more in Nature with a lot of character, not far from Arkadi is the Kapsaliana village hotel, which looks stunning. Check out photos and book.

Looking for the best place to stay in Crete?

Where to stay in Crete travel guide

See my selection of the 15 best areas in Portugal to enjoy beaches, attractions, culture, history...
+ fantastic accommodation options

+ read more

Facts an History about the Arkadi Monastery Crete

history Arkadi monastery Crete

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.
powder room Arkadi monastery

Powder room, Arkardi monastery


Fortifications & Entrance to Arkadi monastery

entrance Arkadi monastery Crete

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.

gate Arkadi monastery Crete
photo Arkadi monastery Crete

The church of Arkadi

temple Arkadi monastery Crete

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.

temple 2 Arkadi monastery Crete

The edifice has 2 naves with an altar screen of cypress wood from 1902 (photos not allowed inside). One of the nave is dedicated to Saint Constantine and the other to Saint Helen.

Sadly even before the 1866 battle, the church was torched and the icons entirely destroyed. Only a cross, two wooden angels and a passage of the resurrection of Christ were saved.
You can see the church from many angles: front and back and also from the second floor of the surrounding buildings.

courtyard Arkadi monastery Crete

But my favorite view is from the corridor above the entrance  gate. You can take the stairs near the museum entrance up to the second floor. And you can enjoy the facade through the arches:

picture Arkadi monastery Crete

The bullet tree

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.

tree with bullets at Arkadi monastery Crete

Other things to do see at the monastery (Refectory, cells...)

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.

decor above door Arkadi monastery Crete

For example you can visit the long refectories: located in the Northern aisle, the 18m long vaulted room was were the monk were taking their meals.
It was built in 1867. In the picture above you can see the entrance door with a inscription to honor the virgin Mary.

refectory Arkadi monastery Crete

...As well as the cellar where poor people and travelers could stay and eat.
You can also see where the kitchen were located as they placed pots and tools (sorry my picture of that room is really bad, so I am not including it).

dellar Arkadi monastery Crete

Cells

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".

corridor Arkadi monastery Crete
Messocoumnia Arkadi monastery Crete
entrance monk cell Arkadi monastery Crete
monk cell inside - Arkadi monastery Crete

Museum of Arkadi

Do not miss a visit to thee Museum inside the monastery. 
It is home to some stunning pieces:

  • old heavily decorated books, including the Gospel of Emmanouil Glyzonis from 1588
  • painted icons
  • weapons from the battle and the revolution
books in museum - Arkadi monastery Crete
weapons museum Arkadi monastery Crete

Things to do around Arkadi

  • Just outside of the monastery, you can see the Ossuary where the old windmill was
  • Excursions to the monastery often include a stop at the Margarites village which is not far. It is home to many pottery studios. It has a lot of charm in Summer but becomes empty during shoulder seasons and Winter.
  • And if you are not in a road trip around the island but are exploring in depth this region you can discover the Arkadi Gorge and the Margarites Gorge.
Margarites village crete

Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer?

  • 40 best landscapes in Crete (in pictures) - read article
  • 20 best things to do in Crete - read article
  • The 27 best beaches in Crete - read article
  • The most beautiful archaeological sites - read article
  • The most beautiful churches and monasteries in Crete - read article
  • Advice for planning your road trip in Crete and your itinerary - read article
  • Tips for driving around Crete - read article
  • The most beautiful boat trips around Crete - read article
  • Chania or Heraklion or Rethymno - where to go? - read article

Planning a trip to Crete?

Check out my travel guide eBook to help you plan:

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

small Crete eBook Cover
  • 5 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 60+ scenic locations - pre-selected
  • 16+ extra photo stops and places 
  • Planning info to make the most of your time
  • GPS coordinates for peace of mind
  • 150+ original photos to you choose

LEARN MORE

And keep track of your own trip!

Crete road trip journal

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