Journey Through History: Explore and Taste Wine at the Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagaroli

The Akrotiri Peninsula in Crete holds significant importance.

Situated east of Chania, the Akrotiri Peninsula was once known as Kyamon, with the Byzantines referring to it as Charakas.

Chania International Airport and the Technical University of Crete are also to be found here.

Moreover, Akrotiri constitutes the northwest side of Souda Bay, home to the largest port in Western Crete.

According to Wikipedia, the highest mountain peak on Akrotiri is Skloka (528 m). To the west of Akrotiri, notable sites include the tombs of Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophocles Venizelos (belonging to the prominent political family of Venizelos), the headquarters of the Cretan Revolution, Chania International Airport, and the port of Souda.

Additionally, Akrotiri hosts monasteries of significant interest, including the Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagaroli, the Holy Monastery of the Lady of the Angels of Gouverneto, and the Holy Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos at Korakies.

Last but not least, Stavros Beach in Akrotiri is where Anthony Quinn danced the famous syrtaki in the legendary film ‘Zorba the Greek’ directed by Michael Cacoyannis.

Photo: gkordus Via Vista.Create

Many say that ‘Chania is love’. Indeed, it is a city that captivates hearts with its abundance of attractions and vibrant atmosphere, especially during the lively summer months. Steeped in history, the city boasts an array of remarkable landmarks, including Minoan ruins, Byzantine walls, Venetian mansions, and Venetian shipyards. Alongside these architectural treasures, Chania showcases a blend of neoclassical buildings, mosques, modern houses, and elegant shops, creating a city that thrives with constant activity and beckons exploration.

Chania, the second-largest city on the island and the capital of the Chania prefecture, emanates a timeless coastal charm, brought to life by its iconic old port and the charming centre of the Old City. The city's reputation is further enhanced by its exquisite beaches, known for their pristine, transparent waters, catering to the desires of all visitors. Chania's vibrant nightlife scene adds to its allure, ensuring there is something to suit every taste. Undoubtedly, Chania is the ultimate summer destination.

In Chania, just like in Rethymno, the narrow streets adorned with local shops serve as the true gems of the city. Exploring these charming streets allows you to immerse yourself in the magnificence of the medieval city. Marvel at notable attractions such as the Shipyards, the Maritime Museum of Crete, the Firkas Fortress, the Kioutsouk Hassan or the Yiali Tzamisi Mosque, the lively Splantzia square with the church of Agios Nikolaos, and the commanding Kasteli hill overlooking the port.

Chania offers an abundance of culinary delights with local flavours, providing a wide array of options for excellent food, refreshing drinks, and entertainment. Moreover, Chania's strategic location allows it to serve as a convenient base for visiting renowned and picturesque beaches like Elafonisi and Balos, located both in the vicinity and further south in the Chania prefecture.

Photo 1 by Marina Vernicos

Photos 2 - 5 by @nick.haji

The Monastery of Agia Triada Tzagaroli (or Tzagarolon) is one of the most significant monastery complexes from the conclusion of Venetian rule in Crete.

It is a Patriarchal and Stavropegic monastery located on the Akrotiri peninsula.

The location originally housed a smaller monastery, and in 1611, the Venetian authorities of Chania tasked the hieromonk Jeremiah Tzagarolos, hailing from an influential Venetian-Cretan family with ties to both Orthodox and Catholic communities, to reconstruct it. Jeremiah Tzagarolos opted to construct a more extensive monastery complex on the same site, personally designing the plans for it.

The monastery suffered destruction during the 1821 revolution when it was set ablaze by the Ottomans, resulting in the loss of numerous relics. Nine years after this event, Ottoman authorities granted permission for the monks Kalliopios and Gregory to complete the church of the monastery. In 1864, a bell tower was added to the complex. The monastery operated as a seminary for thirteen years starting in 1892. Later, it transformed into a hospital and headquarters for revolutionaries during the events of the 1896-97 revolution.

During World War II, the Greeks initially used the monastery to store supplies. After the German occupation of Crete, the Germans established the School of Anti-Aircraft Artillery there in 1942, and by 1944, 150 to 200 soldiers were stationed at the monastery.

The west side of the complex features monks' cells, wine cellars, and the old olive press. The library is situated on the north side, while the ossuary and the administrative area are located on the south side.

Info: Wikipedia

The Monastery of the Agia Triada Tzagaroli houses an intriguing museum.

The Monastery's collections feature icons and codices.

Some of the significant exhibits at the Monastery include:

• Portable icon of St John the Theologian, circa 1500, from the Cretan School

• ‘Second Coming’ by Emmanuel Skordilis, 17th century, portable icon from the Cretan School

• Manuscript liturgical book on parchment, containing the liturgy of St Basil, written on both sides and preserved in several small pieces

• Root of Jesse, portable icon, 1853

• History of Panagiotis Joseph, portable icon, 1858

• Hospitality of Abraham, portable icon, 1855

• Descent into Hades, portable icon, 1855

• Life-giving Source, 17th-century icon, possibly by the renowned Chania painter Emmanuel the Priest Skordilis

• Christ the King of Glory

• St John the Baptist and scenes from his life, iconostasis icon, 1846

Additional Information

● Telephone: 28210 63310

● Location: Akrotiri

● Opening times: 8.00-20.00

Info: Region of Crete

Photo: Wikipedia

Visitors to the Holy Trinity of Tzagarolon can observe the monks' unique wine production and export practices up close.

The Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Tzagarolon holds a prominent place in the history and education of Crete, marking the end of Venetian rule on the island. Located at the base of the Stavros Mountain range in the Cape Melecha region known as Tzobomylos, this monastery complex is of great historical significance.

In the midst of the Greek Revolution of 1821, the monks were forced to leave the monastery in haste, leaving no time to conceal the precious relics within. Unfortunately, these relics were either destroyed by fire or looted during the tumultuous times of the revolution.

Following the conclusion of the revolution, the monastery underwent a reconstruction process, and the construction works were successfully completed. During this post-revolutionary period, the monastery expanded its real estate holdings significantly, acquiring substantial properties and establishing numerous dependencies, including some in Smyrna.

The monastery, deriving income from its assets and activities, played a vital role in supporting the upkeep of Greek schools in Chania. Additionally, in 1892, a seminary was established within the monastery's premises, particularly in the buildings constructed in the east wing.

Today, despite its numerous historical trials and tribulations, the monastery continues to hold a crucial position in both the religious and economic life of Crete. Welcoming a steady stream of visitors, it remains one of the region's most significant landmarks. The monastery's preservation and promotion are diligently overseen by the monastery's brotherhood in close collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the local 28^th Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities in Chania.