Epanosifis Monastery

Archánes-Asteroúsia, Greece

Epanosifis (Upper Sifis) is one of the largest and richest monasteries on Crete. It flourished during the era of Ottoman rule and is dedicated to Saint George.

The structure of the monastery is reminiscent of 17th century secular Cretan architecture with independent cells, one built next to each other. The Refectory and the priory are located west of the church.

The surviving manuscripts, dating back to the 18th century onwards, prove that this was the greatest period of flourishing for the monastery, during which it was one of the premier intellectual centres of the island.

During the revolution of 1821, 18 monks were killed and the monastery was abandoned, before being reconstructed during the era of Egyptian rule.

Visitors to the small museum of religious art can see icons, holy relics and manuscripts from the 18th century containing both texts and exceptional illustrations.

The great number of monks at the Monastery confirms the great monastic tradition of Crete.

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Eparchiaki Odos Irakliou - Praitorias, Archánes-Asteroúsia, Greece
See all sites in Archánes-Asteroúsia

Details

Founded: 17th century
Category: Religious sites in Greece

More Information

www.destinationcrete.gr
www.archanes-asterousia.gr

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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Historical Museum of Crete (21,8 km)
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User Reviews

florafrag (20 months ago)
Ωραία τοποθεσία, ομορφιά, λουλούδια, θεός
Ελενη Μανουσακα (20 months ago)
Ενθουσιαστηκα απο την απιστευτη ομορφια των υπεροχων κηπων,των κτισματων,της πανεμορφης εκκλησιας των απειρου καλους εικονισματων και πανω απο ολα τηναπολυτη αγαλλιαση του ηγουμενου Βαρθολομαιου με τα υπεροχα και γεματα λογια του,σας ευχαριστω.
Γιαννης Μπαρμπαντωνης (2 years ago)
Η ηρεμία σε συνδυασμό με την γαλήνη το φυσικό περιβάλλον Και την φιλοξενία των μοναχών. Είναι το κατάλληλο μέρος για ψυχική και πνευματική ανάταξη
Виталий Дондик (2 years ago)
Мужской Монастырь Георгия Победоносца Epanosifi крупнейший на о.Крит. В нем во главе с настоятелем проживают 30 монахов. Монастырь владеет огромным количеством земель. Находится недалеко от города Ираклион. Очень ухоженная территория монастыря. Чувствуется твердая хозяйская рука. Везде иконы Георгия Победоносца. Есть лавка с местными изделиями и сувенирами, свое Оливковое масло, Вина, Вино Кагор для причастия, четки, крестики из серебра и оливкового дерева, камбоскини с молитвами монахов. В храме хранится 21 мощь святых, в том числе крупный фрагмент кости святого Георгия Победоносца. В монастыре есть большой музей с редкими старинными реликвиями! В монастыре проводятся службы и причастие. Обязательно к посещению!
OSJ (3 years ago)
Beautiful place
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