Location
Church of Saint Paisios, Plakias
Plakias, Rethymno
Church of Saint Paisios, Plakias – Plakias, Rethymno
The Church of Saint Paisios in Plakias is a small, modern chapel situated on the southern coast of Crete, among the hills descending toward the Libyan Sea. Its simple structure, built from local stone, together with the proximity of the sea, gives the place an atmosphere of quiet and contemplation, characteristic of the small chapels scattered throughout the landscape of the Rethymno region. The chapel is dedicated to one of the most revered contemporary saints of the Orthodox Church.
Description
The Church of Saint Paisios is located in the Plakias area, within the municipality of Agios Vasileios in the southern part of the Rethymno regional unit. It is a relatively new place of worship, founded by a family from the nearby village of Lefkogia as an expression of gratitude for spiritual help received. Its creation follows the wider contemporary trend of dedications to Saint Paisios of Mount Athos, canonized in 2015 and quickly embraced with deep devotion throughout Greece.
The chapel was built on a hill above the bay of Damnoni, overlooking the southern coastline. Its architecture is modest: a single-nave plan, a stone façade, a small entrance portal, and a simple bell tower. The interior contains an icon of Saint Paisios and several contemporary icons executed in traditional style. There are no historical frescoes or decorations from earlier periods — the character of the building reflects the spirit of the new devotion and the simplicity of modern Cretan chapels.
The place is frequently visited both by local residents and by travelers who stop here during walks between the beaches of Damnoni, Ammoudi, and Shinaria. It is marked by an atmosphere of quiet and hospitality. Some accounts mention that visitors do not leave traditional monetary offerings but drinks or small gifts — a custom that lends the chapel a particularly warm and personal character.
The church remains an active chapel and is regularly visited on the feast day of Saint Paisios. Its location on the southern coast makes it easily accessible, while still sufficiently isolated to preserve its peaceful, contemplative atmosphere.
Location
Plakias, Rethymno
Coordinates: 35.17385, 24.42111