Monastery of Kera Eleousa
Located adjacent to the village of Voritsio, the Kera Eleoussa Monastery falls under the jurisdiction of the Agarathos Monastery. Due to the sloping terrain, the monastery is constructed on a hill across three separate levels.
This Venetian monastery features fortress-style architecture, with its embrasures still intact. A main gate with a triangular pediment opens to a small courtyard, housing the stable and pantry. A staircase from this courtyard leads to the central courtyard, which is encircled by monk’s cells, an olive oil mill, and a wine press. Additionally, a second gate on the southern side connects the monastery to the village of Charaso.
The monastery’s primary church was constructed atop an older temple, as evidenced by a stone pillar in the courtyard. Within the church, visitors can find two tombs belonging to monks and another tomb at the temple’s entrance. A marble reservoir once stood at the church’s entrance, with a portion of it now displayed in the St. Catherine Museum in Heraklion.
Location
Monastery of Kera Eleousa is located at Monastery of Kera Eleousa, in the Heraklion region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
