Description of the attraction
Not far from the Holy Trinity Monastery is the Gouverneto Orthodox Monastery, also known as the Lady of the Angels. This temple is located on the Akrotiri peninsula. There is an assumption that the monastery was built by a very wealthy man in 1548 (possibly in 1573), but to date no supporting documents have been found. The monastery was originally built in the Venetian style, but over time some Baroque elements were added to the architecture of the monastery.
In those days, the building of the monastery was used, among other things, for defensive purposes. Outwardly, the monastery of Gouverneto looks like a palace with towers. It is surrounded by a massive fortress with 50 cells, which are located on two floors. In the middle of the courtyard is a church with two chapels dedicated to the Ten Saints. In the middle of the monastery courtyard, there is a large number of interesting sculptures depicting monsters.
According to some historical sources, in the sixteenth century the monastery was run by a former sailor Mitrofanis Fasidonis, who, after serving in the Venetian navy, led a monastic life. The local authorities treated him very respectfully and allowed him to engage in the organizational activities of the monastery. During the Venetian domination and leadership of Mitrofanis Fasidonis, it was one of the best monasteries, on the territory of which about 50 monks lived.
In 1821 the monastery was attacked by the Turks. Most of the monks were brutally killed, and the monastery was plundered. During the Second World War, the monastery was practically destroyed by the German invaders. In 2005, the monks resumed the restoration of the Monastery of Gouverneto and the surrounding area, in order to preserve all the delights of this beautiful historical monument. Currently, the Monastery of Gouverneto is home to only 3 monks.
The Gouverneto Monastery is a very popular attraction on Crete, which is visited by a huge number of tourists from all over the world throughout the year.
