Kera Eleousa Monastery by

Voritsi

Heraklion

Monastery of Kera Eleousa
(1 Vote)

The monastery of Kera Eleoussa is located next to the village Voritsio and belongs to the monastery of Agarathos. The monastery is built on a hill at three different levels, because of the slope.

It is a Venetian monastery with fortress architecture, with its embrasures having survived. The main gate with its triangular pediment leads to a small courtyard where you meet the stable and the pantry. From there, a staircase leads to the central courtyard, surrounded by the monks' cells, an olive oil mill and the wine press. There is also a second gate on the south side, leading to the village Charaso.

The main church of the monastery was built on an older temple, as proved by a stone pillar in the courtyard. Inside the church there are two tombs of monks and another at the entrance of the temple. At the entrance of the church there was a marble reservoir, part of which is exposed today in the museum of St. Catherine (in Heraklion).

Timeline

  • 1606: The monastery of Kera Eleoussa is founded on the the ruins of an older temple (or maybe earlier than 1606).
  • 1635: The monastery is owned by the Sinai Saint Cathrine Monastery.
  • 1669: After the occupation of Crete by the Turks, the miraculous icon of Panagia is transferred to Zante (Zakynthos), in the museum of which it is exposed today.
  • 1821: The monastery is transferred to the monastery of Agarathos (for others it was before 1669).
  • 1988: Unknown steals a relief marble deer.
  • 1998: Unknown steals an inscription mentioning the date 1617.

hotels booking Crete

Additional Info

  • Location: Heraklion Prefecture
  • Type: Monastery
  • Peak Period: Venetian Era (1204 AD - 1669 AD)
  • Accessibility: Paved road
  • Website: www.moni-agarathou.gr
  • e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Phone: +30 2810 771621

Also read:

Download Free Premium Joomla Templates • FREE High-quality Joomla! Designs BIGtheme.net