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The Kera Kardiotissa Monastery can be found 50km southeast of Heraklion, nestled within a forested area of the North Dikti Range, and adjacent to the road that leads to the Lassithi Plateau. This historic monastery has given its name to the nearby settlements of Kera and Ano Kera Kera.
Its exact foundation date remains a mystery. However, it is thought that the monastery’s establishment is linked to the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, from which it derives its name (Kera translates to Our Lady). Today, this icon is housed in the Church of San Alfonso in Rome. Created by San Lazaro in the 9th century, the icon portrays Panagia (Virgin Mary) cradling Jesus. Tradition has it that the icon was moved to Constantinople during the iconoclastic Era, only to return miraculously. Furthermore, in the Venetian Era, a wine merchant stole the icon and took it to Rome, where it remains to this day. In 1735, a replacement icon was introduced, which is also deemed miraculous.
The monastery’s stunning stone-built church is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, celebrated on September 8. The current church was constructed in four stages, initially as a single-aisled temple, which was later expanded to include two rooms and a smaller chapel. Notable are the 14th-century frescoes, though they have been significantly weathered over time.
Due to its strategic location, the Kera Monastery served as a revolutionary center for the local province during the Cretan uprisings and subsequently endured numerous Turkish attacks. Presently, Kera functions as a convent and is well worth visiting, particularly when combined with a trip to the Lassithi Plateau.
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Find below the list of hotels near Kera Kardiotissa Monastery:
Offering inner courtyard views, tiny house EFROSSINI is an accommodation located in Krásion, 32 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos and 39 km from Lake Voulismeni. It features a terrace, garden views and free WiFithroughout the property.
The holiday home consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchenette with an oven, and 1 bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Towels and bed linen are provided in the holiday home.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 46 km from the holiday home, while Venetian Walls is 47 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 40 km from tiny house EFROSSINI.
from
€45
/night
Set in Krásion, 39 km from Lake Voulismeni and 46 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Stefanis Guest House offers air conditioning. The accommodation is 32 km from the Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos and features free WiFithroughout the property.
The apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with quiet street views.
Venetian Walls is 47 km from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 48 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 40 km from Stefanis Guest House.
Krassopsychia Apartments is offering accommodation in Krasi. All rooms boast a kitchenette, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom. Free WiFi is provided.
At the guest house, each room is equipped with a terrace. All rooms come with a seating area.
Heraklio Town is 32 km from Krassopsychia Apartments. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 29 km from the property.
from
€55
/night
Featuring lake views, Apartments Gonies – Afroditi provides accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 25 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available.
The apartment is equipped with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with mountain views.
A a baby safety gate is also available at the apartment, while guests can also relax in the garden.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 40 km from Apartments Gonies – Afroditi, while Venetian Walls is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 33 km from the accommodation.
from
€53
/night
Boasting garden views, Apartments Gonies – Artemis features accommodation with a balcony and a kettle, around 25 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos. There is an in-house restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available.
The apartment has 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 40 km from the apartment, while Venetian Walls is 41 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 33 km from Apartments Gonies – Artemis.
Located in Avdou, 24 km from Cretaquarium Thalassocosmos and 39 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Kagiampakis Concept Residences I provides air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With quiet street views, this accommodation offers a patio.
The apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
Venetian Walls is 40 km from the apartment, while The Palace of Knossos is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 32 km from Kagiampakis Concept Residences I.
from
€151
/night
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