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 Baroque, Roman and Venetian influences.
You will visit the monastery today to appreciate its view of a bright green ravine and the sea beyond. Its construction includes towering, thick walls that became the battleground of local chieftains and Ottoman commanders and, when the Cretan Revolution began in 1866, Arkadi was nearly destroyed. 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. Rithymna was inhabited during the Roman and Byzantine eras and, indeed, some interesting mosaic fragments have been found here. Enjoy a walk with your guide through the narrow streets of the Old Town, followed by some free time.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water.