Agia Irini (St Irene) Convent in Krousonas

The convent is situated at an altitude of 650 meters in Krousonas. It wasn’t always a convent, however. The history of Crete and that of the original monastery are closely intertwined as it was punctuated by the massacre of its monks during the Turkish occupation.

It is believed to have been built between the 14 and 15^th century, although the monastery and its abbot, Ionas Danilis, were first mentioned in documents of the late 16^th century. 

Up until the occupation of Crete by the Ottomans, it used to be one of the richest monasteries on the island, and its spiritual and educational activities are well documented. 

The monastery/convent has been deemed miraculous because, according to popular tradition, a miracle occurred in 1928, when St Irene (Agia Irini) suddenly appeared in the monastery (holding a key similar to the one normally kept by the Abbess) and disappeared again wrapped in a cloud.

Photo: Cultural Association of Krousonas

Information: Municipality Malevizioy