Kirchen & Klöster

Gouverneto Monastery

Chania, Chania

About

A fortress-like monastery on Akrotiri.

The monastery of Gouverneto lies on the northern tip of the Akrotiri peninsula, about 20 km north of Chania. It was built in the 16th century and looks like a fortress, with towers at the corners, to protect it from pirates.

The facade of the church is decorated with Venetian carvings, including strange faces and figures. The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin of the Angels.

From Gouverneto, a path leads down a gorge to the Arkoudospilio cave and the ruined Katholiko monastery, one of the oldest in Crete. The walk takes about 30 minutes each way.

Gouverneto was completed in 1537 and is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. A census in 1637 recorded 60 monks living here. During WWII the Germans established a guardhouse in the monastery. The monks still keep a simple life here, and visitors are welcome at set hours. Dress modestly, and note that photography is not always allowed inside.

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

Around Chania

The west of Crete is the island at its most dramatic. Chania has the most beautiful Venetian old town on Crete, wrapped around a harbour with a lighthouse and a domed mosque. In the evening the narrow lanes of Splantzia and the old Jewish quarter fill up with tavernas and small bars. More about Chania