Arsani Monastery

Near Pangalochori, Rethymno, one can find the Venetian monastery of Arsani, dedicated to Agios Georgios.

The monastery is distinctive for its unique layout, deviating from the conventional placement of the church at the centre. Instead, the church is situated on the north-eastern edge, a configuration more reminiscent of Catholic faith monasteries.

The monastery was probably founded in the 16^th century, although Nikos Psilakis suggests a potential origin in the second Byzantine period. The engraving of the date 1645 on the refectory's lintel indicates ongoing construction before the Ottoman control of the area in 1646. Despite the challenges, the monastery remained operational, even hosting a school in the early 19^th century. Unfortunately, it endured substantial damage from an earthquake in 1856.

Info: Wikipedia