Monastery of Diskouri

Where it is located

Near the meadows of Mylopotamos, 45 km southeast of Rethymnon.

The foundation

Although it has not been proven, it is believed to be built on a sanctuary of Dioskouroi-the sons of Zeus, from whom it takes its name. The foundation dates back to the Venetian period.

The stories:

In 1658, the Christian Flora dedicated all her property to the Monastery of Diskouri. The monastery flourished during the Turkish domination period, but during the revolutions of the 19th century its monks played an active role in the liberation struggle and the monastery suffered many disasters both in 1821 and 1866.

Don't miss

The monastery was originally a fortress but due to the many reconstructions in the 19th and 20th centuries, it lost its original form. In the centre of the complex is the katholikon, the single-aisled church of St. George. The entrance to the site is in the south wing, where the date 1890 is inscribed. In the complex there are the cells, the sanctuary, the refectory, but also auxiliary rooms such as the olive press, workshops, a larder and storerooms.

Nearby, southwest of the Monastery, is the Church of St. John the Baptist-Agios IoannisProdromos, which was a chapel of the Monastery. The church is inscribed with frescoes dating back to around 1400. The monastery of Diskouri also owns the chapel of Timios Stavros, located on the highest peak of Crete, Psiloritis (2456m).

Did you know that:

The monastery is known for a custom, a relic of antiquity. Those shepherds accused of cattle rustling swear before the icon of St. George, invoking Zeus: «Νη Ζα, φάσκωσου και κάτεχέ το, πωςδεσουφταίω στο πράμμα σου, έργο μου γή βουλή μου» (Yes, in the name of Zeus, I tell thee to know, I have not harmed thy animal by my act or my intention).

Information:

Tel: +30 2834 041277