Arkadi Monastery & Rethymnon
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Port
Souda (Chania), Greece
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$79.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
The Monastery of Arkadi is a symbol of Cretan pride, and it reflects the island's multi-national hegemony with clearly visible Baroque, Roman and Venetian influences.
You will visit the monastery today to appreciate its view of a bright green ravine and the sea beyond. The nature of its construction surely forecasted the monastery's destiny as a stronghold of the Cretan people -- its towering, thick walls became the battleground of local chieftains and Ottoman commanders when the Cretan revolution began in 1866. Europe's collective emotions were tested to the limit with the near destruction of Arkadi. Today, the main entrance has been lovingly rebuilt; icons, frescoes and part of the temple restored; and the smoky and atmospheric powder magazine left intact. Items representing the Resurrection of Christ are on display in the Monastery Museum.
Continue from Arkadi to Rethymnon -- a relatively modern town built on the site of ancient Rithymna. The latter flourished during the Mycenaean era and, later, retained its autonomy and independence, evidenced by the coins that it continued to mint. It was inhabited during the Roman and Byzantine eras and, indeed, some interesting mosaic fragments have been found here. The Venetian period was a time of great prosperity for Rithymna -- traders used the harbor as a stop-off between Heraklion and Chania. Enjoy a walk with your guide through the narrow streets of the Old Town, followed by some free time.
Notes: Wear comfortable walking shoes.