Description of the attraction
About 37 km south of the city of Rethymno and only 7 km from the village of Plakios is one of the most famous shrines of Crete - the Preveli Monastery. For several centuries, Preveli Monastery has been an important religious, cultural and social center of the island and has a special place in its history.
The exact date of the foundation of the monastery is not known for certain. However, it is believed that the Preveli monastery was founded in the 16th century during the reign of the Venetians on the island at the initiative of the lord Prevelis, after whom it got its name. This is partially confirmed by the date 1594 engraved on the monastery bell tower.
In 1649, the Turks managed to gain a foothold in Crete, and many of the Christian shrines of the island were destroyed, and the Preveli Monastery was also significantly damaged. Subsequently, the monastery was rebuilt, becoming a safe haven for the rebels campaigning for the independence of Greece. In 1941, during the Second World War, the monastery walls found shelter and received all the necessary assistance who, together with the Greeks, defended the island and trapped the allies after the famous "Battle of Crete" - soldiers and officers of the British, Australian and New Zealand armies. For this and for all possible help during the occupation of local residents, the monastery was thoroughly destroyed by the Germans. In 2001, a memorial was erected on the territory of the monastery in honor of those who fell in the "Battle of Crete" during World War II.
The Preveli Monastery is a huge complex and, in fact, consists of the so-called lower monastery - Kato Preveli or the monastery of St. John the Baptist, and the upper one - Pisso Preveli or the monastery of John the Theologian. Kato Preveli is partially destroyed and is not used for its intended purpose, although it is undoubtedly an important historical and architectural monument, while Piso Preveli is a functioning monastery.
The Preveli Monastery has a very interesting ecclesiastical museum, where you can see various church relics, utensils and vestments, as well as a very impressive collection of icons (1600-1900).
