Vrontissi monastery in Vorizia
The Vrontissi Monastery can be found 49km southwest of Heraklion, close to the Vorizia Gorge and between the villages of Zaros and Vorizia. From this vantage point, one can enjoy panoramic views of Vorizia village and the Messara plain. Dedicated to Saint Anthony, the monastery is among the oldest in Crete.
3 things bring visitors up the hill: the 15th-century fountain, the 14th-century frescoes inside the church, and the monastery’s part in the Cretan School of Iconography.
The history of Vrontissi Monastery
While the exact date of its construction remains unknown, it is believed that the monastery’s name comes from its founder. Initially, Vrontissi was a dependency of the nearby Valsamonero Monastery, but it eventually grew so wealthy that it surpassed its parent monastery and became one of Crete’s most significant monastic centers.
Michael Damaskinos and El Greco at Vrontissi
According to tradition, Michael Damaskinos and El Greco, two prominent figures in the Cretan School of Iconography, lived and worked at Vrontissi Monastery. In fact, six of Damaskinos’ icons, now on display at the Museum of St. Catherine in Heraklion, were once housed at Vrontissi. The surviving 14th-century frescoes in the church, which show influences from the Renaissance, demonstrate the high level of artistic expression that developed at the monastery.
The church of Saint Anthony
The church itself is a two-aisled structure dedicated to St. Anthony (celebrated on January 17) and St. Thomas (celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter). Its bell tower, built in Venetian architectural style, stands as a separate structure. Several frescoes are preserved in the south aisle, including the Supper at Emmaus, the Apostles, Minologia, and Saint Symeon holding baby Jesus. The church also houses the 16th-century icon of Ambelos, created by Cretan artist Angelo.
The fountain of Adam and Eve
Despite once being fortified, the monastery’s walls were eventually demolished in the name of modernization. The most striking remnant of the monastery’s former glory is the impressive 15th-century fountain that features depictions of Adam and Eve. At the feet of these figures, four others release water from their mouths, symbolizing the four rivers of Eden. This fountain is considered the most beautiful provincial example of fountains in Crete. The Turks referred to Vrondisi as Santrivanli Monastir, meaning Fountain Monastery.
Vrontissi Monastery today
Today, the Vrontissi Monastery serves as the International Village of Cretan Youth.
Things to do near Vrontissi Monastery
4 other stops sit within about 7 km of the monastery, listed here nearest first.
- Visit the monastery next door. Agios Nikolaos Monastery stands 2.4 km away, the closest monastery to Vrontissi.
- Stop in Zaros. The village of Zaros lies 2.5 km from the monastery and is one of the two villages it sits between.
- Walk into Psiloritis. Rouvas Gorge starts 3 km away, the nearest walk to the monastery.
- Add a second gorge. Apolychnos Gorge is 7.1 km off, towards the Messara plain.
Getting to Vrontissi Monastery
Drive south-west from Heraklion towards Zaros and follow the road on towards Vorizia. The monastery sits between the two villages, near the Vorizia gorge.
The Messara plain below supplies the rest of a day out. The Archaeological Site of Gortyna, the Minoan Palace of Phaistos and the Archaeological Site of Agia Triada all lie within 12 km, with Kalyviani Monastery near Mires 11 km away and Timpaki 13 km. Inland, Agia Varvara is 11.1 km from the monastery and Ancient Zominthos 11.7 km.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Vrontissi Monastery?
Vrontissi Monastery stands between the villages of Zaros and Vorizia, 49 km south-west of Heraklion. It looks out over Vorizia village and the Messara plain.
Who is Vrontissi Monastery dedicated to?
Saint Anthony, whose feast falls on 17 January. The church is two-aisled, and the second aisle is dedicated to St Thomas, celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter.
Did El Greco work at Vrontissi?
Tradition says El Greco and Michael Damaskinos both lived and worked at the monastery. 6 icons by Damaskinos that once hung at Vrontissi are now shown at the Museum of St Catherine in Heraklion.
What is the fountain at Vrontissi?
A 15th-century fountain carved with Adam and Eve, with 4 further figures pouring water from their mouths for the 4 rivers of Eden. The Turks called the monastery Santrivanli Monastir, meaning Fountain Monastery, after it.
What is Vrontissi Monastery used for now?
It serves as the International Village of Cretan Youth. The fortification walls it once had were pulled down during modernisation, so the fountain and the church are the surviving older fabric.
Which frescoes survive in the church?
Several 14th-century frescoes in the south aisle, including the Supper at Emmaus, the Apostles, Minologia and Saint Symeon holding the baby Jesus. They carry Renaissance influence, and the church also holds the 16th-century icon of Ambelos by the Cretan artist Angelo.
Location
Vrontissi monastery in Vorizia is located at Vrontissi monastery in Vorizia, in the Heraklion region of Crete. The map below shows the exact spot; Google Maps and Waze give turn-by-turn directions.
