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.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Alison Oakins (7 months ago)
Beautiful monastery architecture was stunning very well kept gardens and the views were stunning from the rooftop. You could buy produce, like wine balsamic vinegar and fresh grapes. They also did tasting of their olive oil with lovely fresh bread well worth a visit

Nikolett Domány (8 months ago)
Nice monastery, the entrance fee is 3 euros. Not a must see in Creete, but it is very colorful, nice architecture and plants inside. There is a free toilet in the parking lot.

Nicola Ernesto Rinaldi (8 months ago)
Beautiful monastery, the architecture is really stunning as the painted icons inside the church. The place still hosts monks and is really well kept! The gardens are blossoming with beautiful flowers and herbs. Interesting place to visit before hitting the beach!

Goran Micic (9 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. (9 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.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Roman Moško

Historic Site of the week

Trencín Castle

Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.

History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.

Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.

Agia Triada Monastery

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Trencín Castle