AKROTIRI / CHANIA
The Monastery of Agia Triada tis Tzangarolon lies on the
Peninsula Chania. A road, lined with trees planted by
the monks, leads to its entrance.
The history starts long before the 17th century, yet the exact date of
its founding is unknown.
The founders of the monastery were the monks Jeremias and
Laurentios, who belonged to the Greek Orthodox Venetian Family Tzangarolon,
which gave its name to the monastery. On the door of the narthex the visitor can
read the inscription, which bears their names and the date 1634.
The building structure of the monastery is harmonious and well
designed. Under the large tiled yard are the cisterns where rainwater is stored,
since the whole area is practically without natural springs.
The monastery of Agia Triada supported the struggle for
liberation from the Turks and was destroyed during the revolution of 1821.
Its contribution to education was of great significance. Here
there was a school where many Cretans were taught to read and write.
The monks living here lovingly tend the surrounding land with
its olive groves and vineyards.
From here the road leads 4 km up into the mountains and winds
through a narrow gorge up to a small plateau where the Monastery Chania
stands.