greek hotels - Toplou Monastery As you leave enchanting Sitia behind you, continue on the main road to Vai; your next stop is the historic Toplou Monastery. The name originates from the Turkish word 'top', meaning bullet, or canon, because the monastery had a canon. It used to be called Panagia Akrotiriani ( natural Mary of the Cape), as it is located near the cape of Kavo Sideros. The Turkish name prevailed because it characterises this monastery, which was forced to create a strong fortress and equip itself with canons in order to defend itself from the island's many invaders. Besides, its geographical position - near the coast - made it particularly vulnerable to looting. The monks built a 10-m high stone wall, with holes for embrasures, a canon, and of course a fortified gate. Despite the fortifications, however, it fell into the hands of invaders. The monastery is thought to have been built in the 15th century, and it collapsed in the powerful earthquake of 16 12 However, it was soon rebuilt, with contributions from the Venetians, but was again destroyed by the Turks. The monastery played an important fighting role during the revolution. In 182 1 , 12 monks were slaughtered at its entrance, while the rest fled, leaving the premises deserted. During the entire Turkish Occupation, the monastery operated a school, teaching "kollyvogrammata", basic reading and writing, and acted as a refuge for revolutionary Christians several times. The monastery also showed its fighting spirit during the German occupation. The Monastery's heirlooms did not escape the destructive wrath of the Turks, but you can still admire beautiful religious paintings. There is a very special work of art by loannis Kornaros, created in 1770, consisting of 61 images that decorate the centre of the small church's courtyard. Also impressive is an epigraph from the 2nd century BC, which was discovered in the remains of ancient Itanos and taken to the Monastery, where it was used as a gravestone and altar. Engraved on the stone are the eighty-six first lines of the Magnesia Convention regarding the conflict sport ween Itanos and lerapytna, in which Magnesia had intervened. The monastery's Museum is open from 8.30 to 15.00 daily, except Mondays.

Summer-Hotels > Lassithi > Toplou Monastery

As you leave enchanting Sitia behind you, continue on the main road to Vai; your next stop is the historic Toplou Monastery. The name originates from the Turkish word 'top', meaning bullet, or canon, because the monastery had a canon. It used to be called Panagia Akrotiriani ( natural Mary of the Cape), as it is located near the cape of Kavo Sideros. The Turkish name prevailed because it characterises this monastery, which was forced to create a strong fortress and equip itself with canons in order to defend itself from the island's many invaders. Besides, its geographical position - near the coast - made it particularly vulnerable to looting. The monks built a 10-m high stone wall, with holes for embrasures, a canon, and of course a fortified gate. Despite the fortifications, however, it fell into the hands of invaders. The monastery is thought to have been built in the 15th century, and it collapsed in the powerful earthquake of 16 12 However, it was soon rebuilt, with contributions from the Venetians, but was again destroyed by the Turks. The monastery played an important fighting role during the revolution. In 182 1 , 12 monks were slaughtered at its entrance, while the rest fled, leaving the premises deserted. During the entire Turkish Occupation, the monastery operated a school, teaching "kollyvogrammata", basic reading and writing, and acted as a refuge for revolutionary Christians several times. The monastery also showed its fighting spirit during the German occupation. The Monastery's heirlooms did not escape the destructive wrath of the Turks, but you can still admire beautiful religious paintings. There is a very special work of art by loannis Kornaros, created in 1770, consisting of 61 images that decorate the centre of the small church's courtyard. Also impressive is an epigraph from the 2nd century BC, which was discovered in the remains of ancient Itanos and taken to the Monastery, where it was used as a gravestone and altar. Engraved on the stone are the eighty-six first lines of the Magnesia Convention regarding the conflict sport ween Itanos and lerapytna, in which Magnesia had intervened. The monastery's Museum is open from 8.30 to 15.00 daily, except Mondays.