Agarathos Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary

An icon of the Virgin Mary was discovered beneath a woolly Jerusalem sage ('agarathia'), leading to the construction of the historic Monastery of Agarathos. Dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the monastery celebrates its feast day on August 15th, drawing a large crowd for a significant festival.

Even though the precise date of its foundation remains undetermined, the Agarathos Monastery is regarded as one of the oldest in Crete. Unverified accounts suggest its construction in the 10^th century by Nikiforos Fokas.

Ecclesiastical Museum

Today, there is a publicly accessible ecclesiastical museum on the premises, showcasing sacred vessels, icons, ecclesiastical relics, and its library. The monastery also offers guesthouses for those who wish to stay overnight and experience the highly regarded traditional hospitality extended by the monks.

Information: Municipality of Minoa Pediada

Photo: Wikipedia