Monofatsi

The Monastery of St. George Apanosifis or Epanosifis is located about 30km south of Heraklion, near Metaxohori village. It is the largest male monastery in Crete (in monk number). The spiritual and social contribution of the monastery during the difficult years of Turkish occupation was invaluable.

Koudoumas monastery is located at the exit of Katarraktis gorge in Asterousia Mountains, 80km south of Iraklion and only 40m from a beautiful beach. It is one of the most secluded monasteries of Crete, as access from Heraklion requires 2.5 hours. There is a safe 24km long dirt road that starts from the village Sternes (accessible from Charakas), at an altitude of 1000m near the peak Kofinas (1231m).

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Agios Nikitas is located 65km south of Heraklion, on the east side of the wild and arid Asterousia Mountains. The monastery was originally a hermitage for monks from the monastery of Koudoumas. It is built on a high hill with breathtaking views to the Libyan Sea. The church of the monastery, dedicated to St. Nikitas (feast September 15), is built in a cave and dates back in 1640.

The church of Panagia Kardiotissa is located at the green position Panagia, close to Agios Thomas village. It overlooks the river Axedianos and in winter wateralls are formed at the edge of the churchyard, making it a unique landscape.

The church of Panagia Almyri (Salty Virgin Mary) belongs to the parish of Megali Vrissi and is one of the largest pilgrimages of Messara Plain. Especially, on the celebration day of the church (feast of Ascension) hundreds of people flock from all corners of Crete.

The small single-nave church of St. Anthony Eunuch is well hidden in a wooded location of Agios Thomas, next to Domaine Stratakis. The temple dates back from the Venetian Era and bears no frescoes.

The Byzantine church of Panagia at Alagni has a particular cruciform architecture with a dome, while an arcosolium (Venetian tomb) is attached to its exterior wall.

The deserted settlement Axenti is located amongst the most fertile fields and forests of oak in the area and was blessed to have several water springs. There is a lovely trail starting from Pirouniana, crossing the oak forest of Papoura, coming across carved wine presses, water mills, the church of St. George Chostos and a waterfall, and reaching Axenti after 15 minutes.