Monastery Of Agios Ioannis Kapetaniana

The monastery is in the village of Agios Ioannis, close to Kapetaniana.

The cavernous church constitutes the main church of the monastery (called katholikon) and was probably founded in 1360. Above the church there are carved caves that were used as cells by the monks. In the courtyard there are stone benches, a new building with cells and the tomb of a monk.

At the site of the monastery, archaeologists have found remains of an ancient Asclepeion (a sanctuary dedicated to Asclepios, the god of medicine). A nearby spring was probably associated with the healing properties of Asclepios and his worship. The place continued to be considered holy and healing in Christian times.

The monastery had an active brotherhood of monks until the middle of the 20th century.

Source: Unesco sites in Crete

Photo: Ron Lach Via Pexels