Preveli Monastery
Kríti
The Monastery of Preveli, officially the Holy Stavropegiac and Patriarchal Monastery of St. John the Theologian, is a significant Greek Orthodox monastery located on the south coast of Crete in the Rethymno region. It consists of two main parts: the ruined lower monastery of St. John the Baptist and the still operational upper monastery. Founded likely in the Middle Ages by a Venetian feudal lord named Prevelis, it evolved into a religious and cultural center for locals. The monastery played an active role in uprisings against Ottoman rule in the 19th century, notably during the Greek War of Independence and later rebellions, which contributed to Crete's eventual union with Greece. During World War II, the monastery sheltered Allied soldiers and aided their rescue, resulting in the destruction of the lower monastery by German forces. Today, the upper monastery houses religious relics and icons and is open to the public, featuring monuments commemorating its WWII efforts. Nearby, the Preveli Beach and lagoon, famous for its Cretan Date Palm forest and clear waters, enhance the site's natural beauty and tourist appeal.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan to visit during spring or early autumn to avoid peak summer crowds and enjoy milder weather. Pre-booking guided tours or entrance tickets, if available, can enhance the experience. The site offers discounts for students and seniors. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring both the monastery complex and the nearby gorge and beach areas. Boat tours from the nearby resort of Plakias provide convenient access to Preveli Beach and lagoon.
Faits intéressants
- •The monastery was founded by a Venetian feudal lord named Prevelis during the Middle Ages.
- •It played a key role in the Greek uprisings against Ottoman rule in the 19th century.
- •During WWII, Allied soldiers were sheltered at the monastery and rescued by submarine from nearby Preveli Beach.
- •The lower monastery was destroyed by German forces as retaliation during WWII.
- •The nearby Preveli Beach is famous for its unique Cretan Date Palm forest, one of the few native palm species in Europe.
- •A heart-shaped rock on Preveli Beach is locally known as "The stone of lovers."
- •The palm grove suffered a large fire in 2010 but naturally regenerated fully by 2011.
Histoire
The Monastery of Preveli was likely established in the Middle Ages during Venetian rule of Crete by a feudal lord named Prevelis.
It became a center of religious and cultural life over centuries.
In 1821, under Ottoman occupation, it was destroyed due to its involvement in the Greek War of Independence but was rebuilt.
It again played a role in the 1866 and 1878 uprisings against Ottoman rule.
During World War II, the monastery sheltered Allied troops and helped facilitate their rescue, which led to the destruction of the lower monastery by German forces.
Post-war, the upper monastery was restored and remains active today.
Guide du lieu
Upper Monastery of St. John the TheologianMedieval period
The currently operational part of the monastery housing religious relics, icons, and monuments commemorating its WWII assistance to Allied soldiers. It has been heavily restored and is open to visitors.
Lower Monastery of St. John the BaptistMedieval period
The ruined lower monastery located below the upper complex, destroyed during WWII by German forces in retaliation for the monastery's aid to Allied troops.
Preveli Beach and Lagoon
Located below the monastery at the mouth of the Kourtaliótiko gorge, this scenic beach and lagoon are famous for their clear waters and the extensive palm forest of Phoenix theophrasti, the Cretan Date Palm.