Chapel of Agios Paisios sits atop rock above Damnoni in south Rethymno
A small stone chapel dedicated to Agios Paisios stands on top of a rock above the coast of south Rethymno, overlooking the Libyan Sea near Damnoni.
The chapel was built by members of the Mastrantonakis family, from the village of Lefkogeia in the Municipality of Agios Vasileios, in Rethymno, as a tama — a votive offering made in gratitude to Agios Paisios.
Reaching the chapel requires climbing a path over the rocks. According to the report, the final stretch of the ascent gives visitors a view over the coastline below and the surrounding Libyan Sea.
Thousands of votive offerings inside
Inside the stone building, icons, prayer ropes, crosses and votive offerings cover much of the space. The report states that thousands of tamata have accumulated there over time, left by people who visit the chapel throughout the year.
The chapel also holds wood-carved icons and remains open to visitors at all times. It has no collection box; instead, a refrigerator stocked with water and juices has been placed inside for those who make the climb.
The chapel remains open to the public year-round, according to the source. Many visitors reach it while exploring the wider network of beaches in Crete along the island’s southern coast.
Small chapels built as personal votive offerings are found in rural areas across the island. Sites such as this one are often visited alongside walks and hikes that form part of the broader experiences in Crete available along the southern coastline.
