Monastery of Vrontesios, Orthodox monastery in Faistos Municipality, Greece

The Monastery of Vrontesios is an Orthodox monastery located in Faistos Municipality on the southern slope of Mount Ida. The complex sits at about 550 meters elevation and contains a two-nave church dedicated to Saint Anthony and Saint Thomas.

The monastery is first documented in Venetian archives in 1474, though its exact founding year is unknown; it began as a metochion of Varsamonerou Monastery. After Varsamonerou declined post-1500, Vrontisi flourished through the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1866 Michael Korakas made it his headquarters during the Cretan revolt, and Ottoman reprisals left it deserted.

The church inside holds painted religious scenes from medieval times, with frescoes visible on the walls of the southern section. Visitors can still see these historical artworks today, though they bear the marks of centuries.

The monastery lies between Zaros and Vorizia, about 50 km southwest of Heraklion, on the south slopes of Mount Ida at 550 m. The approach is by road from the Mesara side; the site is enclosed by walls, with only parts of the west wall remaining. The main entrance holds the marble fountain, and the two-nave church stands in the courtyard.

The marble fountain at the main entrance dates from the 15th century and shows Adam and Eve in Paradise with the Pantocrator and four further figures, which stand for the rivers of Eden. Because of it the Ottomans called the monastery Santrivanli Monastir, the Fountain Monastery. The Italian architect Giuseppe Gerola noted the chisel work as uncommon for Crete at the time.