St Peter and St Paul Monastery

The Monastery of Saints Peter and Paul, also known as Agios Petros ton Dominikanon (Saint Peter of the Dominicans), is a jewel of Heraklion’s coastal road, recently restored and now a mystical setting for various events. Its serene atmosphere makes it an ideal venue for hosting cultural activities, adding to its spiritual charm.

The monastery opens for worship on June 29th, the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul, drawing locals and visitors alike. Positioned roughly in the middle of Heraklion’s sea wall, this impressive structure was built in the early years of Venetian rule and originally belonged to the Dominican Order (Domenicani Predicatori). At the time, it was one of the most important and largest Latin churches in the city.

Recent archaeological excavations around the church, in the wider area of Kastella, unearthed tombs from the Second Byzantine Period. Beneath these, an extensive settlement from the Arab period was discovered, offering valuable insights into the architecture and lifestyle of that era. Many of the fascinating finds from this excavation are displayed at the Historical Museum of Crete.

For more information: Municipality of Heraklion