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Arkadi Monastery
Arkadi is one of the most important and historic monasteries in crete dating back to
the 16th century. The Monastery of Arkadiou (located 23 km south-east of
Rethymno) is a great symbol of Crete. In the year 1646 during the Turkish conquest
of the island, having been sacked, it was later restored and continued to flourish, as
is shown in the architecture of the church and considered to be one of the best samples
as what is known as the Cretan Renaissance. The Corinthian coloumns, curved arches
and pinnacles are also considered to be architectural elements.
Most of all Arkadi Monastery has been associated with one of the most tragic but
heroic events in the entire history of Crete.
In the year 1866 in the month of November, there were 287 men, 700 women and 45
monks who took refuge in the monastery during the time of the revolution. Their
fighter leader "Kostas Yiamboudakis" decided, as apposed to surrendering to the
Turks they would blow up their gun-powder stores with themselves inside. During the
whole battle there were around 3,000 Egyptians and Turks killed too.
This was considered a most courageous act and the tragic news echoed around the
world. Each year on 8th November which is now a National Holiday of Crete in
rememberance of the tragedy, hundreds of Cretans and important Heads of
Departments gather to pay their respect to the martyrs of that fatal day.
Arkadi monastery
| Preveli monastery
| Arsani monastery
Yiannis Katsouras
Olympios Construction & Estate Agency
Tel:- (0030) 28310 72296
Fax:- (0030) 28310 72065
E-mail:
www: www.housecrete.gr
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