Moni Epanosifi, Orthodox monastery in Metaxochori, Greece
The monastery sits 30 kilometers from Heraklion in the center of Crete, featuring traditional Byzantine architectural elements and religious structures.
Founded in 1614 by monk Paisios after receiving guidance from Saint George, the monastery endured through Venetian rule and Turkish occupation periods.
The monastery maintains a collection of religious artifacts, including sacred texts, carved crosses, and important relics of Saints Nektarios and Methodios.
Visitors can attend two annual celebrations dedicated to Saint George: April 23 commemorating his martyrdom and November 3 marking his relics transfer.
The monastery obtained its name from a local feudal lord who distinguished between two shepherds named Sifis by calling one Epano and the other Kato.
Location: Archanes-Asterousia Municipality
Inception: 1614
GPS coordinates: 35.14575,25.13651
Latest update: March 7, 2025 23:14
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.
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