Gouverneto Monastery Chania Crete

Gouverneto Monastery Chania Crete is located 20km out of Chania and 4 km from the monastery of Agia Triada, on the north side of the Akrotiri of peninsula.  Also known as Kyria ton Agelon meaning Lady of Angels.

Built in 1537 in the Venetian period, it is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. However the Turkish invasion interrupted work on it. Externally, it resembles a Venetian fortress. Measuring 40 m x 50 m with towers in its four corners.  The monsters carved on the front of the church, is one of its most interesting and impressive features.

There are two chapels next to the church dedicated to the Ten Saints of Crete and Saint John the Hermit.

Avlaki Gorge

Saint John the Hermit, the founder of the monastery, lived in a cave in the Avlaki gorge adjacent to the monastery.

To get to the Avlaki gorge follow the stone paved footpath that runs down to the sea.

After a 20 minute walk, you arrive at the Bear Cave.  The bear that turned to stone and became a great rock inside the cave.

Continue on to the Catholic Monastery and the church of Saint John the Hermit.

Please note

The walk down is easy, but coming back can be tiring, especially on a hot day. Therefore, it’s best to walk through the gorge either first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Gouverneto monastery opening hours

Closed:

Wednesdays and Fridays

Open:

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 09:00 – 12:00 and 17:00 – 19:00

Saturdays and Sundays 09:00 – 11:00 and 17:00 – 20:00

When visiting Gouverneto monastery, please be aware of the following:

Entrance prohibited to people inappropriately dressed

Smoking forbidden inside the monastery and so is using cameras or video cameras

Entrance fee 2.5€

Full list of monasteries in Crete.

Accommodation Recommendations: Top hotels to stay at which are located right in the heart of Chania town are Kydon and Samaria.