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The Gouverneto or Gderneto Monastery can be found 19km east of Chania, on the northern side of Cape Akrotiri of Chania, near the Agia Triada Tzagarolon Monastery. To reach it, follow the signs from Agia Triada.
Perched on a rocky site at an altitude of 260m, close to the entrance of the Avlaki gorge, the monastery features fortress architecture and four towers with bastions guarding its corners. Built before 1537, as evidenced by an inscription at the fortress entrance, Gouverneto Monastery is one of the oldest in Crete. It is thought to have been founded by hermits and monks from the nearby seaside Katholiko Monastery, who may have constructed the new monastery atop an existing ancient temple to protect themselves from pirate attacks.
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the monastery is also known as Kyria ton Agelon (Lady of the Angels Monastery). Its church has a cruciform shape with a dome, and the entrance is adorned with relief representations of monsters. Construction began during the Venetian Era but was only completed 2.5 centuries later due to the Turkish invasion of Crete and subsequent ban on building Christian temples.
Surrounding the church, which is situated in the center of the courtyard, are the other buildings of the complex. These include 50 monk cells on two floors, a dining room, a small museum, and more. Additionally, two chapels dedicated to Agii Deka (Saints Ten) and Saint John the Hermit can be found next to the church.
St. John the Hermit, who lived in a cave in the adjacent Avlaki gorge, is considered the founder of the monastery. A stone-paved trail leads down to the sea through the gorge, and after a 20-minute descent, you’ll encounter the Arkoudospilio Cave, followed by the ruined Katholiko Monastery and the cavernous church of St. John, where the hermit resided. After another 10 minutes, the gorge concludes at a narrow, rocky fjord with green waters.
Visitors can explore the monastery on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (9:00 to 12:00 and 17:00 to 19:00) and on weekends (9:00 to 11:00 and 17:00 to 20:00). Please ensure you are dressed appropriately, as shorts, swimwear, and similar attire are not permitted.
Get directions to Gouverneto monastery
Find below the list of hotels near Gouverneto monastery:
Located in the village of Stavros, Paradisio Baby & Kinder Hotel offers a variety of children’s facilities, such as a 400-m² play area, a go kart track, a tree-house, and ping-pong table, as well as animal farm, just a 15-minute walk from the beach.
It offers self-catering accommodation with 2 separate bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room and a private bathroom. All apartments open out to 2 balconies. The fridge is filled in daily with local products, while own-produced wine and olive oil can be found in the room upon arrival.
The scenic town of Chania with its Venetian harbour is 10 km away. Souda Port is also at 10 km. Free WiFi throughout and free private parking are provided.
from
€173
/night
Featuring garden views, Villa Luz offers accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 3.7 km from The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The villa is fitted with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The villa features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos is 12 km from Villa Luz, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 13 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 3 km from the accommodation.
from
€117
/night
Boasting mountain views, Helios a modern large villa with private pool set in a quiet location features accommodation with a balcony and a coffee machine, around 1.4 km from Stavros Beach. This villa has a private pool, a garden, barbecue facilities, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa features 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views.
Gold Coast Beach is 1.4 km from the villa, while Sunset Beach is 1.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 8 km from Helios a modern large villa with private pool set in a quiet location.
from
€396
/night
Boasting mountain views, Villa Amina features accommodation with a private beach area, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a terrace, around a few steps from Gold Coast Beach. This beachfront property offers access to free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa has 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with sea views.
The villa offers a barbecue. Both a bicycle rental service and a car rental service are available at Villa Amina, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Stavros Beach is 300 metres from the accommodation, while Sunset Beach is 700 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International, 9 km from Villa Amina, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€469
/night
Set in Khordhákion, 6.1 km from The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada and 15 km from House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos, Villa of Light Heart offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.
The holiday home has 2 bedrooms, 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.
Archaeological Museum of Chania is 15 km from the holiday home, while Saint Anargyri Church is 17 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 2 km from Villa of Light Heart.
Boasting garden views, Levanda Home features accommodation with a patio and a coffee machine, around 100 metres from Stavros Beach. The air-conditioned accommodation is 100 metres from Gold Coast Beach, and guests benefit from private parking available on site and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a microwave, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.
The holiday home features a barbecue and a garden, which can be enjoyed by guests if the weather permits.
Sunset Beach is 500 metres from Levanda Home, while The Holy Monastery of Agia Triada is 8.2 km from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 9 km from the accommodation.
from
€115
/night
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