Gonia Odigitria Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Kolymvari, Greece
Description
Gonia Odigitria Monastery is an Orthodox monastery on the southeastern coast of Rodopos peninsula, surrounded by Venetian-style fortification walls. The complex includes a main domed church, monks' quarters, a refectory, and several storage buildings.
History
The monastery was founded in the 13th century and rebuilt between 1618 and 1634. It withstood multiple attacks during Ottoman rule from 1645 to 1867.
Culture
The monastery houses significant Byzantine icons from the 15th to 17th centuries created by Cretan artists including Parthenios and Andreas Ritzos. These works reflect the deep religious art tradition that flourished in this remote coastal location.
Practical
The site lies about 26 kilometers west of Chania on Crete's northwest coast. The grounds are accessible by land with parking available near the entrance areas.
Did you know?
A cannonball from the final Ottoman attack in 1867 remains embedded in the seaside wall to this day. This quiet relic serves as a physical reminder of the sieges the building endured.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby ().
Crete combines remnants of ancient civilizations with natural landscapes along its 1,050 km coastline. The island offers photographers a mix of archaeological sites like the Minoan palace at Knossos and historic settlements such as the Venetian harbor districts of Chania and Rethymno. Coastal...
Olive tree of Vouves
7.2 km
Trachilos footprints
14.1 km
Moni Gonia Monastery
13 m
Kisamos ancient city
12.7 km
Church of Archangel Michael
6.8 km
Diktynaion
12.7 km
Archaeological museum of Kissamos
12.7 km
Topolia Gorge
16.7 km
Ιερός Ναός Αγίου Ιωάννου του Προδρόμου στα Δελιανά Κισάμου
12.1 km
Church of Panagia
4.4 km
Bridge of Tavronitis
5.1 km
Church of Agios Georgios
16.1 km
Palaiochristianikos Naos Panagias, Agia Kydonias
15.9 km
Church of Zoodochou Pigis, Alikiano Kydonias
15.1 km
Holy Apostles church
18.6 km
Saint Spyridon church
14.2 km
Church in Pano Kamisiana
3.9 km
War Memorial for Greek Cadets of WW2
588 m
Panagia Myrtidiotissa church
4.6 km
Keritis river bridge, Alikiano
16.7 km
Saint Marina church
14.8 km
Saint Nicholas church
3.7 km
Cemetery church in Pano Kamisiana
3.7 km
Church building
3.2 km
Maleme tholos
5.9 km
Cave of Agia Sophia Topolia
18.1 km
Tower of Da Molin
16.2 km
Metochi Isychaki
16.2 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes