✅ Explorer Rethymno: Discover the Magic of Crete

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Explorer Rethymno: Holy Monastery of Preveli – Resistance and Palm Forest Gateway

Explorer Rethymno: Holy Monastery of Preveli – Symbol of Resistance and Gateway to the Palm Forest ⛪

The **Holy Monastery of Preveli**, located in southern Rethymno, is one of the most historical and picturesque monasteries in Crete. It is a symbol of **national resistance** and is inextricably linked to the unique landscape of the **Kourtaliotiko Gorge** and the **Preveli Palm Forest**.

Its strategic location, with **views of the Libyan Sea**, made it a center of spiritual and revolutionary activity throughout the Ottoman rule and World War II.

Structure: The Upper and Lower Monasteries 🙏

The Preveli Monastic Complex historically consists of two distinct monasteries:

Upper Monastery (of Saint John the Theologian)

This is the **visitable and functional** monastery. Dating back to the 17th century, it stands out for the beautiful architecture of its Katholikon (main church). It houses a rich **museum collection** with sacred relics, icons, vestments, and ecclesiastical vessels. The **Holy Cross** with a piece of the Holy Wood is also kept here, believed to have the property of healing the eyes (vision).

Lower Monastery (of Saint John the Baptist)

The older monastery, dating back to the Venetian period. Today it is **abandoned** and only its church is functional.

Historical Role: The Resistance of Preveli

Preveli Monastery played a leading role in recent history. During the **Battle of Crete** and the German Occupation:

The monks, led by **Abbot Agathangelos Lagouvardos**, provided refuge and medical care to **Allied soldiers** (British, Australian, New Zealanders).
They organized the **evacuation** of hundreds of soldiers to the Middle East, via the Libyan coast.

On the exterior of the monastery, there is a **statue** commemorating the role of the monastery and the Allies, offering a panoramic view of the sea.

Connection to the Palm Forest 🌴

Preveli Monastery is the ideal starting point for visiting the Palm Forest and **Preveli Beach**. The **Great River** (or Kourtaliotis), after crossing the Kourtaliotiko Gorge, flows out onto the beach, creating the unique palm grove, a singular wetland.

Location & Visitor Tips

**Location:** South Rethymno, 37 km from the city.
**Visit:** The Upper Monastery is visitable and operates a museum (check opening hours).
**Tip:** The road to the monastery offers many spots for panoramic photographs of the monastery and the gorge.