Michael Archangel monastery (Finikas)
The small monastery of Michael Archangel is located at position Finikias, over the stream that forms the beautiful palm wood of Souda. Finikas (Phoenix), as it is known, was a dependency of the monastery Prophet Elijah in Roustika and today belongs to the parish of Sellia. In 2009 a project started for the restoration of the 18th century ruined monastery.
The exterior walls of the complex have no windows and surround the monastery, forming a small fortress, protecting it from the enemy raids. In the center there is the courtyard with the well that gave life to monks, animals and crops. The temple is located outside the walls, being cut off from the main building.
From the very first moment, the agricultural character of Michael Archangel monastery is evident, as there was a large olive mill (fabrica) in the complex. The monastery owned large land properties with olive groves, giving great wealth to the Monastery of Roustika. There is a very interesting folk museum, which is mainly focused in the history of the olive press.
