Arkadi Monastery

The Holy Monastery of Arkadi in Rethymnon Crete is a place of special historical interest, known for the events that took place during the revolution of 1866.
This holy place has been well-known from the events of November 1866, when Crete had rebelled against the Turks, dominating the island for the past 200 years.
When the Turkish soldiers violated the monastery after many hours of siege, the besiegers with a monk as leader put on fire a room filled with gunpowder. The explosion, which killed all the people inside the monastery and most of the Turkish soldiers, was a desperate act of the besiegers to remain free and not fall in the hands of their enemies.

Ceramic Village

Margarites

The village of Margarites, is 30 km south east from Rethymnon town in the centre of the island of Crete. It is well known for its pottery.
The tradition of pottery goes back many generations in this village and you will be able to find an elder to show you how the pots are hand thrown.
The village, which has some extraordinary architecture and lovely narrow winding streets, is well worth exploring.

Sacred Cretan Destination

The cave of Melidoni, also known as Gerontospilios, is in itself a natural wonder worthy of admiration.
Apart from its natural beauty, however, it is also of significant archaeological and historical interest.In the more recent history of the cave, it was used by rebels and villagers as a refuge during the Turkish occupation.
Unfortunately, in October 1823, the Ottomans took over the village and the locals retreated inside the cave. Some 370 men, women, and children, as well as 30 rebels, managed to survive in the cave for more than three months until the Ottoman fury finally led to their demise.