Crete Attractions

Monastery of Arkádhi

Situated about 14 miles (23km) south of Rethymnon, the Monastery of Arkádhi is something of a national Cretan shrine. During the 1866 rebellion against the Turks the monastery became a refuge for Cretan insurgents and their families. They were surrounded by the Turks and after two days of fighting, ignited the gunpowder storeroom, which killed hundreds of both Turks and Cretans. The tragedy brought international recognition to the cause for Cretan independence. An ossuary displays the skulls of many of the victims and it is possible to see the roofless room where the explosion took place, as well as the surviving 16th-century church that is one of the loveliest Venetian buildings on the island. There is also a small museum.

Address: 14 miles (23km) south of Rethymnon; Transport: The monastery is easy to reach by public bus; Opening time: Daily 8am to 1.30pm, and 3.30pm to 8pm; Admission: €1.45 (museum)