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Located in the picturesque green area of Malles near Ierapetra, the Monastery of Panagia Exakousti now serves as a convent for women. The nuns run a textile workshop, a tailoring and needlework shop, and sell various souvenirs.
The monastery’s history is closely tied to a captivating figure who once resided there, Abbot Hatzi Ananias. It is said that as a baby, Ananias would not nurse on Wednesdays and Fridays, and refused to touch his mother’s breast. He never consumed meat, fish, or cheese, and dressed in animal skins while using a stone as a pillow. At 14 years old, he moved to Kapsas Monastery, where he was influenced by Monk Gerontoyannis. In 1877, he returned to Malles and discovered the icon of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) in a cave amidst the ruins of the Exakousti Monastery. This inspired him to rebuild the monastery. Following his death, Ananias was declared a saint, and during his lifetime, he was believed to have performed miracles. Pilgrims would travel to Exakousti to receive his blessings or healing. Today, the monk’s tomb can be found within the monastery.
The monastery’s church is a single-aisled, vaulted basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary’s Birthday, celebrated on September 8th. While the icons on the iconostasis are more recent, two older icons of Panagia and John the Baptist are also present. The iconostasis was crafted by the Makrakis and Farsaris brothers, renowned wood carvers in Crete’s religious community. Additionally, the monastery houses a small cave with a chapel dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ, where Ananias discovered the Virgin Mary’s icon. In the northeastern corner of the monastery, the nuns have also constructed a chapel dedicated to the Blessed Fathers and Mothers.
Get directions to Monastery of Panagia Exakousti in Malles
Find below the list of hotels near Monastery of Panagia Exakousti in Malles:
Mala Villa is situated in Ierapetra, one of the most graphic mountainous villages, on the slopes of Diktis, in the prefecture of Lasithi.
Luxury meets the true Cretan beauty in the imposing Mala Villa. All rooms are well appointed featuring a balcony with view to the Libyan Sea, private hot tub, kitchenette and TV. Some units are fitted with a fireplace.
Mala Villa offers a 24 hour front desk service as well as wireless internet access. The hotel’s restaurant serves local Cretan Cuisine, enjoying panoramic sea views.
A remarkable site of the village is the church of the Virgin Mary built in 1431.
Featuring air-conditioned accommodation with a rooftop pool, mountain view and a balcony, Villa M – Villa with private pool and yard is located in Anatolí. It features a garden, pool views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The villa comes with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
A outdoor play equipment is also available for guests at the villa.
Lake Voulismeni is 31 km from Villa M – Villa with private pool and yard, while Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 30 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 74 km from the accommodation.
Located in Ierápetra, 31 km from Lake Voulismeni and 30 km from Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa), Villa K-Villa with private pool offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa features 3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a washing machine and 2 bathrooms with a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are provided in the villa.
Agios Nikolaos Port is 31 km from Villa K-Villa with private pool. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 74 km from the accommodation.
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and barbecue facilities, Villa Lato – Villa with private pool and yard provides accommodation in Anatolí with free WiFi and pool views. The air-conditioned accommodation is 19 km from Ierápetra.
The villa features 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms.
The villa offers a terrace.
Agios Nikolaos is 31 km from Villa Lato – Villa with private pool and yard, while Elounda is 40 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 91 km from the accommodation.
Located in Ierápetra and only 31 km from Lake Voulismeni, VILLA VASO provides accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. Guests benefit from a balcony and a picnic area.
The apartment with a terrace and sea views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the apartment.
Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area.
Panagia Kera Church (in Kritsa) is 30 km from the apartment, while Agios Nikolaos Port is 31 km away. The nearest airport is Sitia Public Airport, 74 km from VILLA VASO.
from
€65
/night
Diktynna offers traditional houses, converted into villas with fireplace and views over the Libyan Sea. It is situated 12 km from Ierapetra. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are provided.
Diktynna Traditional Villas air-conditioned with 2 bedrooms and a living room. They all have a large, fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and veranda or balconies. There is free Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen satellite TV is available in each of the rooms.
Guests can use the traditional wooden oven, located in the public space of the residential complex.
With Diktynna as their base, guests can explore the surrounding villages of the Lasithi region. You can follow the hiking trails in the area or enjoy a ride with mountain bikes provided on site for free.
from
€118
/night
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