on the southern slope of Psiloreitis, near the village of Zaros. It is about 50 km from Heraklion.

The first written evidence of the monastery dates back to the beginning of the 15th century, but it is possible that it was founded earlier. The monastery flourished during the Venetian period, in the 16th and 17th centuries, while it began to decline after the conquest of Crete by the Turks in 1669. It was repeatedly subjected to the destructive fury of the conquerors during the periods of the Cretan revolutions.

Vrontisi Monastery was a remarkable centre of letters and arts during the period of the Cretan Renaissance. The great painter Michael-Michalis Damaskinos created six of his most important icons here, which are now in the Museum of the Church of St. Catherine in Heraklion. Tradition has it that El Greco also apprenticed for a time in the monastery’s workshop.

In the precinct of the monastery is one of the most valuable sculptures of the Cretan countryside. It is the relief fountain with a representation of the firstborn Adam and Eve and the four rivers of Paradise as hydrants.

The two-storey building complex of the monastery is developed around the double-aisled catholic church, dedicated to Saint Anthony and the Baptism of Thomas. Originally the katholikon was one-roomed and was extended towards the end of the 16th century. In the same period, the west tower-shaped bell tower was built.

On the south wall of the original nave is a characteristic depiction of the Slaughter of the Children.

Vrontisi Monastery is considered one of the most famous monasteries of Heraklion. The fresco decoration of the original nave of the katholikon, dating back to the 14th century, is the only case in Crete where the nave depicts the Menology. Also unique in Crete is the depiction of the Supper of Christ in the Emmaus, in the quadrant of the niche of the sanctuary. The painting is of high quality and is considered to be the work of a painter who came from Constantinople or Thessaloniki.

Tel: +30 28940 31247