Monastery of Odigitria Gonia
The coastal Monastery of Panagia Odigitria can be found at the base of the Spatha peninsula, approximately 26km west of Chania and 2.5km north of Kolimbari. It is also referred to as the Lady of the Angels Monastery of Gonia (Gonia = Corner) due to its position on the western edge-corner of Chania Bay.
The monastery looks out over the bay from a walled complex that reads as a fortress rather than a church. Its history explains the walls: rebels sheltered here, and armies came after them.
A refuge for Cretan rebels
Established in the 17th century, the monastery soon thrived as a rich monastic tradition developed in Spatha, and the monks congregated in Gonia. The Gonia Monastery has played a significant role in local history, often serving as a refuge for Cretan rebels and consequently being destroyed numerous times by various conquerors. Evidence of this can be seen in a cannonball embedded in the east wall.
The church, the complex and the museum
The original 14th-century church is situated in the current cemetery, close to the existing monastery complex. The complex is encircled by a high wall, reminiscent of a Venetian castle. The temple is dedicated to the Virgin Hodhegetria (celebrated on August 15th). Surrounding the temple are numerous other monastery buildings, including monk cells, an abbey, dining room, stores, cellars, and more. The Orthodox Academy of Crete, gym, pool, schools, county court, and other facilities are also housed within the monastery. In the monastery’s museum, visitors can view ancient icons, such as those by Constantine Palaiokapas.
The abbots of Gonia
Several notable individuals have served as abbots of the monastery, including Misael Apostolidis, who taught the Greek language to the Greek King Otto and was the first rector of the University of Athens. Others include Joachim Tzagarolos, Parthenios Kelaidis, and Parthenios Pieridis.
Beaches near the Gonia Monastery
Six beaches lie within 7 km of the monastery, listed below with the nearest first.
- Kolimbari is the closest beach, 1.2 km from the monastery.
- Rapaniana follows at 2.4 km, a quiet sand and pebble bay near Kolymvari.
- Afrata lies 2.6 km away, further out on the Spatha peninsula.
- Ravdoucha sits 4.5 km from the monastery, with Skotini at 5.2 km and Agios Pavlos at 8 km on the same stretch.
- Tavronitis is 4.7 km east, on the bay side.
- Maleme lies 6.6 km east, near the Maleme domed tomb at 5.9 km.
Getting to the Gonia Monastery
Follow the coast road west out of Chania as far as Kolimbari. The monastery stands 2.5km north of Kolimbari and about 26km west of Chania, at the corner where Chania Bay meets the Spatha peninsula. Platanias and Gerani lie back along that coast towards the city.
Walkers have one gorge within reach of the monastery. The Roka Gorge lies 9.4 km inland, and the beach of Nopigia is 7.5 km west along the Kissamos shore.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Gonia Monastery?
The Gonia Monastery stands at the base of the Spatha peninsula, about 26km west of Chania and 2.5km north of Kolimbari. It occupies the western corner of Chania Bay, which is where the name Gonia, meaning corner, comes from.
How old is the Monastery of Panagia Odigitria?
The monastery was established in the 17th century. Its original church is older still, dating from the 14th century, and it stands in the cemetery beside the present complex.
Why is there a cannonball in the wall?
The cannonball in the east wall is left from the attacks the monastery suffered for sheltering Cretan rebels. Various conquerors destroyed the buildings numerous times over the centuries.
What can you see inside the monastery?
You can see the temple of the Virgin Hodhegetria, the monk cells, the abbey, the dining room, the stores and cellars, and a museum of ancient icons. The icons include work by Constantine Palaiokapas. The Orthodox Academy of Crete, a gym, a pool, schools and the county court are also housed within the monastery.
When is the feast day at Gonia?
The temple is dedicated to the Virgin Hodhegetria and celebrated on August 15th. That is the main day in the monastery calendar.
Which abbots is Gonia known for?
Misael Apostolidis is the name most often cited, since he taught Greek to King Otto and became the first rector of the University of Athens. Joachim Tzagarolos, Parthenios Kelaidis and Parthenios Pieridis also served as abbots here.
Location
Monastery of Odigitria Gonia is located at Monastery of Odigitria Gonia, in the Chania region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
