St John Monastery in Anopolis

Located not far from Heraklion, the monastery of St. John Theologos (John the Apostle) in Anopolis has endured the harshness of the Turks during the Turkish occupation of Crete, yet it remains operational today. Nestled in a picturesque valley at an elevation of 170m, the monastery can be found southeast of Anopolis.

One theory suggests that the monastery was initially part of the St. John monastery in Patmos, which explains its name. However, it is more likely that it was a subsidiary of the coastal monastery of St. George, situated near the mouth of the Aposelemis river. The temple was destroyed by the Germans in 1940. During the Venetian occupation, the monks from the St. George monastery relocated to Anopolis to escape continuous pirate attacks. They also brought with them the icon of St. George, which still exists today.

Upon first glance, the majestic church of St. John (celebrated on May 8) will captivate you. Constructed adjacent to the old church, it measures 33m in length and features 33 doors (representing the years of Christ) and 107 doors and windows (symbolizing the years of St. John).