Preveli, Orthodox monastery in Agios Vasileios, Greece.
The monastery includes two separate complexes near Kourtaliotiko Gorge, featuring a double-aisled basilica and traditional monastic buildings overlooking the Libyan Sea.
During World War II, the monastery protected 5,000 Allied soldiers awaiting evacuation to Egypt before German forces destroyed the buildings in 1941.
The ecclesiastical museum displays religious vestments, artifacts, and icons from the 17th century, including a historical cross depicting the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
The monastery stands 40 kilometers south of Rethymno, with access to Preveli Beach and marked paths leading to both the upper and lower monastery sections.
The monastery holds the Holy Cross of Preveli, which according to records, prevented a German aircraft from taking off when soldiers attempted to remove it.
Location: Agios Vasileios municipality
Location: Commune of Assomatos
Website: http://preveli.org
GPS coordinates: 35.15699,24.45768
Latest update: May 13, 2025 14:52
This selection highlights Crete locations away from common routes. It includes historic sites such as the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, occupied by a leper colony until 1957, and the ruins of the Minoan palace of Kato Zakros on the eastern coast. Notable geological formations include the Kourtaliotiko gorges with 600-meter limestone walls, the Aradena bridge suspended 138 meters above the void, and the Dikteon cave, extending over two kilometers into Mount Dikte. Nature enthusiasts can explore the small bay of Seitan Limania between its white cliffs, the Argiroupoli springs bursting amidst Roman ruins, or take trails through the Theriso gorges. These destinations offer a different view of Crete, away from the tourist crowds along the northern coastline.
Preveli Beach
1.6 km
Kourtaliotiko Gorge
5.2 km
Kotsifos Gorge
8.8 km
Damnoni Beach
4.3 km
Preveli Palm Forest
1.5 km
Souda
9.3 km
Ammoudi
3.8 km
Paligremnos Beach (Nudist)
5.8 km
Plakias Korifi
5.8 km
Venetian Fountain of Spili
9.9 km
Mikro Ammoudi Nudist Beach
3.9 km
Kalypso Beach
5.5 km
Agios Pavlos church, Spili
9.8 km
Drimiskiano Ammoudi
2 km
Agios Pavlos Sandhills' beach
11.1 km
Preveli Gorge
1.5 km
Museum of the Monastery of Preveli
128 m
Strand von Dynonissos
2.1 km
Katsouni Beach
6.5 km
Stavri Beach
9.9 km
Megalopotamos Bridge
2.1 km
Koules of Koxare
7.1 km
Church of Sotiras Christos, Akoumia
11.2 km
Plakias
6.3 km
Heart Rock at Preveli Beach
1.6 km
Church of Panagias Lambinis
8.9 km
Skinos Beach
7.3 km
Klimata
13 kmReviews
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