Moni Keras, Orthodox monastery in Hersonissos Municipality, Greece
Description
Moni Keras is an Orthodox monastery located at 650 meters altitude on the northern slopes of Mount Dikti. The complex features a main church with valuable frescoes and additional structures arranged around a central area.
History
The monastery was first mentioned in manuscripts from 1301 and gained independence from local bishops in 1720 during Ottoman occupation of Crete. This autonomy marked an important turning point in its administration and operation.
Culture
The monastery displays frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries in its main church, reflecting medieval religious artistic traditions on Crete. The iconography and painting styles point to Orthodox-Byzantine artistic development during this period.
Practical
The monastery is accessible to visitors year-round, with opening hours varying between summer and winter seasons. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for mountain terrain and partly unpaved paths.
Did you know?
The monastery houses a miraculous icon from 1735 that replaced an original icon now kept in the Church of Saint Alphonsus in Rome. This connection between the Cretan monastery and Rome illustrates the far-reaching religious networks of Byzantine and Orthodox traditions.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Hersonissos Municipality).
Dikteon Andron
7 km
Malia
8.2 km
Karfi
2.1 km
Dreros
15.4 km
Skotino cave
17.4 km
Agios Georgios Selinari
9.8 km
Trapeza, Crete
4.2 km
Milatos cave
14.1 km
Krystallenia monastery, Lasithi
6.3 km
Windmills of Seli Ambelou , Oropedio Lasithiou
2.3 km
Kritsa Gorge
8.9 km
Omalia olive press
5.8 km
Church Megali Panagia of Neapoli
13.8 km
Agio Pnevma church, Limnakaro
9.5 km
Church of Agios Konstantinos
3.7 km
Church of Agios Georgios, Emparos
15.9 km
Panagia Kera Limniotissa, Episkopi
18.8 km
Agia Paraskevi and Agios Panteleimon
15.9 km
Kremaston Monastery
13.6 km
Panagia i Gouverniotissa, Potamies Chersonisou
8.1 km
Church of Saint George, Apostoli
14.7 km
Ydragogeio "Megali Vrysi", Krasi
1.2 km
Agios Panteleimon
10.1 km
Church of Panagia Kera, Embaros
16 km
Primary School, Thrapsanou
16.9 km
Smari archaeological site
12.3 km
Acropolis of Lyktos
8.7 km
Fountain of Amarianou
9.1 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