Kirchen & Klöster Geheimtipp

Paliani Monastery

Archanes-Asterousia, Heraklion · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

A convent with a holy myrtle tree.

The convent of Paliani lies near the village of Venerato, about 20 km south of Heraklion. It is one of the oldest convents in Crete, perhaps founded in the 7th century.

In the courtyard grows a holy myrtle tree, said to hold an icon of the Virgin Mary inside its trunk. The convent celebrates its feast on 23 August.

The nuns make embroidery and other handicrafts. It's a quiet and peaceful place.

Paliani is one of the oldest convents in Crete, mentioned already in the 7th century. The holy myrtle tree in the courtyard is the heart of the convent, and pilgrims tie ribbons on its branches and pray for help. The feast on 23 August draws many visitors. The surrounding area of villages, like Venerato and Avgeniki, is quiet and full of vineyards and olive trees.

Around Archanes-Asterousia

Nearest town: Heraklion, about 25 km by road
Nearest airport: Heraklion airport (HER), about 27 km by road

Heraklion is the heart of Minoan Crete and the island’s busiest region. Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum are the two places almost everyone visits, and they work well together on one day. In the south, the wide Messara plain holds the palace of Phaistos, the Roman ruins of Gortyna and the famous caves above the bay of Matala. More about Heraklion