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.
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Crete:
My favorite platform to rent a car in Crete: DiscoverCars
The unmissable boat tour: Gramvousa island + Balos Lagoon
Fun activity: Quad excursion off the beaten path
My favorite places to stay:
- Chania: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Delfino
- Palaiochora: see best rated hotels – e.g. Blue Horizon Hotel
- Rethymno: see best rated hotels – e.g. Leo Hotel
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.
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:
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:
Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide
- 5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 150+ original photos to help you choose
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
Need to rent a car in Crete?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
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.
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:
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.
Where to stay in Crete?
My favorites:
- Chania, a charming town: See best rated accommodations
- Rethymno, history, beach and central location: See best rated options
- Heraklion, main city: See best rated options
- Palaiochora, for stunning scenery, away from crowds – See best rated options
- Mochlos, for a very quiet area: see best rated options
- For a sandy beach and some nightlife: Malia or Bali
Facts an History about the 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.
Fortifications & Entrance to Arkadi monastery
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.
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The church of Arkadi
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
…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).
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”.
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
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.
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:
Plan your dream trip in Crete thanks to my guide
- 5 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 60+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 150+ original photos to help you choose
And keep track of your own trip!
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