Gonia Monastery

Gonia Monastery is one of the most important monasteries in the northwest of Chania region. Its other name is Monastery of Panagia Odigitria, meaning “Monastery of Mother Mary the Leader” in Greek. It is built just outside Kolymbari village, in a distance of less than a kilometer away. The name "Gonia Monastery" means in Greek “Monastery of the Corner”, due to its excellent location on the south of Rodopou peninsula, which provides ample view to Chania Bay. The distinct architecture of the monastery is complemented by the very interesting Ecclesiastical Museum located inside the monastery. In the museum you can find, among others, icons painted by great artists from the 14th century onwards, and centuries-old manuscripts. During the Ottoman occupation of Crete, the monastery played a large role in the final independence of the island, as it supported and sometimes hosted the Cretan rebels. For this reason it was repeatedly bombarded by the Ottomans, but it was rebuilt every time by its active monks.