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

Many say that ‘Chania is love’. 

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. 

In Chania 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. 

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

Photos 6-9 incrediblecrete.gr

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.