Toplou Monastery

Crete

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Toplou Monastery

Panagia Akrotiriani (Our Lady of the Cape) Monastery, colloquially known as Toplou Monastery, is one of Crete’s most impressive historic sights. It is a true bastion and a living museum of the island’s monastic history. There is a small but solemn and stirring two-aisled church dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to Saint John the Theologian, decorated with murals that still survive and featuring a chancel screen with noteworthy 18th century icons. The Ecclesiastic Art Museum houses some of Crete’s most significant icons, including Megas ei Kyrie' (Great Art Thou, Lord), a 1770 icon by Ioannis Kornaros. The icon is made up of four main sections, further separated into 57 smaller areas, and includes hundreds of faces which come together magnificently to depict the Great Blessing of Waters. The organic vineyards on the monastery’s grounds produce organic wine of excellent quality and it is also possible to visit the winery.

Do & See

Crete is filled with history and scenic landscapes. Archaeological sites, historical landmarks, fascinating museums, isolated monasteries, wandering walking trails and much more await you in this amazing place.