Agia Triada Monastery

Chaniá, Greece

Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Orthodox Monastery was built in the 17th century by two brothers of the Venetian Zangaroli family on the site of a pre-existing church.

The church is built in the Byzantine architectural cruciform style with three domes. The main church is flanked by two smaller domed chapels, one of which is dedicated to the Life-Giving Spring (Zoodochos Pigi) and the other to Saint John the Theologian. The main church is dedicated to the Holy Trinity and the church has a narthex at the front set at right angles to the main aisle. There are two large Doric-style columns and one smaller, Corinthian-style column on either side of the main entrance. The facade of the church has double columns of Ionian and Corinthian style and bears an inscription in Greek, which is dated to 1631. The monastery's cellar door is dated to 1613. In the 19th century the monastery was established as an important theological school from 1833, and the belfry is dated to 1864. The monastery was later extensively damaged during conflicts with the Turks and in 1892, a seminary was established.

The monastery also has a library which contains some rare books, and a museum which contains a collection of icons and a collection of codices. Important exhibits include a portable icon of St John the Theologian dated to around 1500, The Last Judgment, work of Emmanuel Skordiles from 17th century, St John the Precursor (1846), The Tree of Jesse (1853), The Hospitality of Abraham and The Descent into Hades (1855), The Story of Beauteaus Joseph (1858) and a manuscript on a parchment roll with the mass of St Basil.

The monks produce and sell wine and olive oil on the premises.

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Details

Founded: 17th century
Category: Religious sites in Greece

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Goran Micic (2 months ago)
The property is well kept, there is an entrance fee (3 euros per person), looks very nice. There is a wine and olive shop outside. Public toilet is also at the spot. Definitely worth visiting.
Pawel S.a. (2 months ago)
A very interesting, nice place that impresses with its architecture and subtle atmosphere. An additional attraction is the museum of wine and olive oil where you can take advantage of the tasting, which must be arranged in advance. The guardians of the Monastery - Monks - are very hard-working and nice people. Peaceful silence and monastic atmosphere surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Unique.
David Loyd-Hearn (2 months ago)
So beautiful, and we were blessed to be there when a service was on. Although I do not speak Greek, the chanting of the monks and priest was amazing. Really a very special place
CRETA TOURS (3 months ago)
Extremely beautiful place with a lot of history and religion surrounded by beautiful land owned and maintained by the monastery and a huge variety of homegrown flowers. It is very close to the airport of Chania, there is also an entry fee of 2-3 euros which is only for the main monastery building. It is a very known and visited tourist destination.
David Mellor (4 months ago)
Dramatic monastery undergoing some renovation work in May 2023. Personally I think it would be more interesting to visitors in its age-worn condition. Worth a visit. Ladies can borrow a shawl if their shoulders are bare.
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