Ιερά Μονή Οδηγήτριας
Historic 14th-century monastery in Mesara, near Sivas, with wall paintings and a museum space in the old olive press.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Holy Monastery of Odigitria was founded on its present site in the 14th century, as shown by the wall paintings of the katholikon with the Akathist Hymn and those of the chapels in the area. It is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Crete. The inscription of 1568 on the north gate coincides with the monastery’s great flourishing and the renovation of the complex in its present form. During Venetian rule, works of 15th-century Cretan painting were created here, and the monastery had a large library.
During Ottoman rule the monastery was a refuge for civilians and fighters. The legendary Xopateras, a monk and revolutionary, is associated with the monastery; after his death the conquerors destroyed the buildings and looted the sacred vessels. In 1841 the Holy Synod decided to rebuild the monastery.
On the north-east side of the monastery are the olive press and the bakehouse, which are being renovated by the monks and serve as a museum space. They display a traditional loom, the stone-built oven with bread-making tools, parts of the olive press and tools for agricultural work.
Highlights
- 14th-century monastery with wall paintings in the katholikon
- Four icons by the 15th-century painter Angelos
- Museum space in the olive press and the bakehouse
- Traditional loom and farming tools
- Chapels and hermitages in the area, such as Agiofarango
Permanent exhibition
- Μουσειακός χώρος του μοναστηριού – Exhibits in the olive press and the bakehouse: a traditional loom, a stone-built oven, parts of the olive press and tools for farm work.
- Founded
- 1400
- Operated by
- Ιερά Μονή Οδηγήτριας
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
By car from Heraklion: regional road Heraklion–Moires, after Moires towards Petrokefali and then towards Sivas, where signs lead to the monastery.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Good to know | The monastery is located in the south of the Heraklion prefecture, near the village of Sivas; signs from Sivas lead to the monastery. From Heraklion, follow the regional road to Moires and then the direction Petrokefali–Sivas. |
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