RETHYMNON
The Monastery of Arkadi lies 22 km south east of Rethymnon and
is the most celebrated Monastery on Crete with a rich historical background.
The oldest find is part of an inscription with the name Arkadhi,
dating back to the 14th or 15th century. The name relates to the founder or
re-builder of the monastery, a monk named Arkadios.
Since the 16th century the monastery has been a place of science
and art. There was a school in the monastery and a library full of the works of
ancient writers. After 1646 however the scholastic contribution of the monastery
was serious reduced when it was captured and plundered by the Turkish army.
In May 1866 the preparations for rebellion were underway in
Arkadi. Since as many as 1500 Cretans had gathered here, it was not surprising
that this fact did not stay hidden from the Turks and Abbot Gabriel was charged
with disbanding the revolutionary committee.
After he refused, the Turks attacked the rebels forcing almost
700 women and children from the nearby villages as well as 300 fighters to take
refuge in the monastery.
After the Abbot refused a second ultimatum, the Turks attacked
the monastery.
On 8th November 1866 the siege of the monastery began by 15,000
Turkish soldiers equipped with heavy artillery.
The walls began to crumble and just as the Turks began their
assault on the monastery Konstantin Giaboudakis, with the agreement of Abbot
Gabriel, ignited the powder kegs, so that the explosion not only killed those
seeking refuge, but also many Turks.
Arkadi has recently been declared a European monument to
freedom.
In the museum of the monastery many things are kept, which are
reminders of the catastrophe.