Kapsa Monastery, Orthodox monastery on southeastern coast of Crete, Greece
Kapsa Monastery is an Orthodox monastery on the southeastern coast of Crete, built against steep gray rocks near the Perivolakia gorge. The complex consists of interconnected buildings arranged around a central courtyard and the main church, all nestled into the rocky slope overlooking the Libyan Sea.
The monastery was destroyed by Ottoman pirates in 1471, but monk Joseph Gerontoyiannis began rebuilding in 1841 and established a new religious community. This reconstruction allowed the monastery to resume its role in the spiritual life of the region throughout the following decades.
The monastery is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and the Holy Trinity, displaying the characteristic Byzantine design of two naves. Today it functions as a place of prayer and reflection where visitors encounter the simplicity and dignity of this sacred space.
The monastery is accessible during set hours and requires a walk down a steep path from the nearest parking area. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing for a religious site and be prepared for the physical demands of the approach route.
During World War II, the monastery sheltered Greek resistance fighters and British soldiers hiding from German occupation. This hidden chapter of its past makes it a significant site in local wartime history that many visitors overlook.
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