Location
Gonia Odigitria Monastery
Kolimbari, Chania
Gonia Odigitria Monastery – Kolimbari, Chania
Gonia Monastery, picturesquely situated on a rocky rise above Kolymbari Bay, is one of the most important monastic sites in western Crete. Its full name, Moni Panagias Odigitriais (Monastery of Our Lady the Guide), refers to one of the most venerated Byzantine icons depicting Mary pointing to Christ as the Way. The present complex dates mainly to the seventeenth century, and its architecture blends defensive and sacred elements. Massive walls, gun ports, and a watchtower all recall the monastery’s turbulent past.
Description
During both the Venetian and Ottoman occupations, Gonia served as an important center of resistance and a place of refuge for rebels. In 1866, it was partially destroyed during Ottoman reprisals, and during the Second World War it functioned as a stronghold for the resistance and a hiding place for the wounded. Today, it stands as a symbol of patriotism and the spiritual continuity of Crete.
The interior of the monastery preserves valuable icons from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, a rich collection of manuscripts and liturgical vestments, and a small museum of sacred art. The central church (katholikon), dedicated to the Virgin Mary Odigitria, is adorned with baroque iconostases and wall paintings. A monastic community still resides here, and the courtyard, framed by arcades and cypress trees, exudes a deep tranquility.
From the monastery’s terrace, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Kolymbari Bay and the Rodopou peninsula. A short distance away stands the modern Orthodox Academy of Crete, which continues the monastery’s tradition of spiritual and intellectual heritage.
Location
Kolimbari, Chania
Coordinates: 35.55056, 23.77700