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The Vrontissi Monastery can be found 49km southwest of Heraklion, situated near Vorizia Gorge and nestled 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Today, the Vrontissi Monastery serves as the International Village of Cretan Youth.
Get directions to Vrontissi monastery in Vorizia
Find below the list of hotels near Vrontissi monastery in Vorizia:
Kato Zaros Apartments features air-conditioned guest accommodation in Zarós, 43 km from Venetian Walls, 44 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum and 47 km from The Palace of Knossos. Free WiFi is offeredthroughout the property.
The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a hair dryer, while the kitchen has an oven, a toaster and a stovetop. Some units feature a terrace and/or a balcony with mountain views.
Museum of Cretan Ethnology is 14 km from the apartment, while Phaistos is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 46 km from Kato Zaros Apartments.
from
€49
/night
Situated in Zarós, 42 km from Venetian Walls and 43 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Froso’s Home features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. With garden views, this accommodation offers a patio.
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The apartment can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area.
Guests can relax in the garden at the property.
The Palace of Knossos is 45 km from Froso’s Home, while Phaistos is 21 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 45 km from the accommodation.
from
€65
/night
Featuring garden views, Papa-Antonis Stone House offers accommodation with a garden and a patio, around 42 km from Venetian Walls. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The holiday home with a terrace and mountain views features 2 bedrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower. Towels and bed linen are featured in the holiday home.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum is 43 km from the holiday home, while The Palace of Knossos is 46 km away. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 45 km from Papa-Antonis Stone House.
from
€54
/night
Situated at the foothills of Mount Psiloritis, just a few metres from Zaros village, Idi Hotel is a family-run hotel offering comfortable accommodation. Surrounded by a garden, it includes a pool, a restaurant and a cocktail bar. Free WiFi is provided throughout.
Opening to a balcony, all air-conditioned rooms of Idi are spacious. Free toiletries are included.
The swimming pool features a sun terrace with grassed and paved areas. Idi also offers tennis court facilities.
A buffet-style breakfast is included in the room rate, while refreshing drinks and beverages are served at the tree-lined courtyard café. At Idi Restaurant, guests can taste traditional local dishes and fresh fish from the family’s own fish-farm.
Hotel Idi offers free private, on-site parking.
from
€69
/night
Situated in Zarós, 42 km from Venetian Walls and 43 km from Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Orange apartment offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi.
The apartment features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with garden views.
A car rental service is available at the apartment, while hiking can be enjoyed nearby.
The Palace of Knossos is 46 km from Orange apartment, while Phaistos is 20 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 45 km from the accommodation.
Situated in Zarós, 42 km from Psiloritis National Park and 17 km from Museum of Cretan Ethnology, Cretan Nature Villa Alexandra offers a garden and air conditioning. This property offers a private pool, free WiFi and free private parking.
The villa features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
Phaistos is 20 km from the villa, while Arkadi Monastery is 43 km from the property. The nearest airport is Heraklion International Airport, 54 km from Cretan Nature Villa Alexandra.
from
€245
/night
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