Toplou Monastery is located in the northeastern tip of Crete, at the base of Sidero Cape, 10km east of Sitia and 6km north of Palekastro. The monastery is one of the most historic monasteries of Crete and is known for its vast real property. In religious circles it is known as the Monastery of Panagia Akrotiriani, while the locals just call it the Great Monastery.

It is worth visiting Toplou, even if it located 2.5 hours from Heraklion, since you can combine the visit with the beautiful beaches of the area, the site of ancient Itanos and the famous palm grove of Vai. The area is the one of the most arid and inhospitable places on Crete, while the constant strong winds have attracted one of the first wind farms on the island.

The monastery is fortified with a 10m high wall, which protected it from enemy attacks. It spans a square area of ​​800 square meters and has three floors, with 40 rooms, a 33m high bell tower. According to the tradition, it has 100 doors, but only 99 of them have been found. In the center of the monastery, there is a well with water, which ensured the monks during the various sieges by the Turks and the pirates. Opposite the well there is a two-aisled basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary and John the Theologian.


The entrance is on the west side of the fort and its sturdy door was rolled on wheels. Above the main entrance there is still the hole called "killer", from where the monks threw stones or boiling hot liquids to anyone attempting to breach the door.

Πηγή: Travel Guide for Island Crete, Greece - Toplou Monastery near Sitia cretanbeaches.com

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