Paliani Monastery
Greece /
Iraklion /
Veneraton /
World
/ Greece
/ Iraklion
/ Veneraton
, 2 km from center (Βενεράτον)
World / Greece / Kriti
nunnery
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The monastery of Paliani is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, but the exact date of its establishment is unknown. The name is associated with the name Palia Moni (Old Monastery). However, there is a second version, according to which the name Paliani is linked to Apolonia, an ancient city that was located very close to Venerato.
The monastery was patriarchal and for several periods it had enormous wealth and many dependencies (smaller monasteries and churches). Especially during the Ottoman period, Paliani struggled to survive, as it was destroyed by the Turks and the nuns were massacred. The nuns restored it very quickly and since then it is classified in the richest monasteries in Crete.
The main temple of Paliani Monastery is a basilica with three aisles dedicated to the Assumption (celebr. 15 August), the Three Hierarchs (30 January) and St. Panteleimon (27 July). Also there's a small chapel of the Holy Apostles (30 June). The temple is supported by ancient columns of Byzantine style with acanthus leaves, parts of which are scattered in the monastery. Generally, you will see marble parts scattered everywhere belonging to the Byzantine era. Today the monastery has been altered considerably.
The temple is surrounded by the nun cells and auxiliary rooms, while the visitor can still discern traces of the fortress wall that protected Paliani. Paliani also owns the very old Byzantine church of St. John with frescoes of the 14th century. The monastery operates a museum with icons, relics and several books of great historical and archaeological value. The monastery is open from sunrise to sundown to everyone.
The monastery was patriarchal and for several periods it had enormous wealth and many dependencies (smaller monasteries and churches). Especially during the Ottoman period, Paliani struggled to survive, as it was destroyed by the Turks and the nuns were massacred. The nuns restored it very quickly and since then it is classified in the richest monasteries in Crete.
The main temple of Paliani Monastery is a basilica with three aisles dedicated to the Assumption (celebr. 15 August), the Three Hierarchs (30 January) and St. Panteleimon (27 July). Also there's a small chapel of the Holy Apostles (30 June). The temple is supported by ancient columns of Byzantine style with acanthus leaves, parts of which are scattered in the monastery. Generally, you will see marble parts scattered everywhere belonging to the Byzantine era. Today the monastery has been altered considerably.
The temple is surrounded by the nun cells and auxiliary rooms, while the visitor can still discern traces of the fortress wall that protected Paliani. Paliani also owns the very old Byzantine church of St. John with frescoes of the 14th century. The monastery operates a museum with icons, relics and several books of great historical and archaeological value. The monastery is open from sunrise to sundown to everyone.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates: 35°11'26"N 25°2'32"E
- Monastery Kalivianis 24 km
- Holy Monastery of Virgin Mary Theogennitor 36 km
- Saint Gerasimos Monastery 518 km
- Monastery of the Annunciation 581 km
- Osios Ephraem monastery 606 km
- Orthodox Brotherhood - Nunnery "Christianiki Elpis" 637 km
- Monastery of St. Panteleimon 639 km
- Saint Paraskevi Monastery 648 km
- Monastery of Agios Nicolaos 672 km
- Monastery of St. George of Anydros 674 km
- Ruins of the cave temple 0.4 km
- Κerasia, Paliani 1.6 km
- Cemetery 2.2 km
- Football (Soccer) Field 4.7 km
- Saint George Gorgolainis Monastery 5.1 km
- Football stadium 5.3 km
- Cemetery 6.9 km
- Saint Irene Monastery 7.5 km
- Peripheral unit of Heraklion 8.6 km
- Mount Ida (Psiloritis) 24 km