Chrysopigi Monastery - Image 1
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Chrysopigi Monastery

4.8
·825 reviews·Chania, Greece

A 16th-century women's convent near Chania, Crete, offering profound peace, spiritual solace, and warm hospitality amidst olive groves.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Attend peaceful liturgies

CrowdMedium
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Chrysopigi Monastery - Image 1

Chrysopigi Monastery

Best Time

Weekend mornings

Attend peaceful liturgies

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century women's convent near Chania, Crete, offering profound peace, spiritual solace, and warm hospitality amidst olive groves.

4.8
(825 reviews)

"One of the most welcoming and beautiful places in the world, all of the nuns are so very kind."

Vertical photo
TIP

🙏 Be Respectful

Dress modestly out of respect for the religious nature of the site.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the expansive olive grove; it's a truly tranquil spot.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Monastery Chapel

The Monastery Chapel

Main complex

A beautiful chapel offering a glimpse into the spiritual heart of this historic women's convent.

Reddit
The Olive Grove

The Olive Grove

Monastery grounds

Wander through a vast olive grove, a serene and picturesque setting perfect for quiet contemplation.

Reddit
Souvenir Shop

Souvenir Shop

Near entrance

Discover unique and amazing souvenirs, often handcrafted, to commemorate your visit.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

Step into a world of peace at Chrysopigi Monastery. This women's convent, founded in the 16th century, offers a serene escape near Chania. Visitors often describe it as entering 'another world' away from daily busyness. Reddit

Plan Your Visit

The monastery is a welcoming place, with nuns described as 'very kind and welcoming.' Reddit It's a must-visit for those seeking a spiritual experience or a tranquil respite. Reddit Consider attending weekend liturgies, which start at 8:00 AM. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekend mornings
Why
Attend peaceful liturgies
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Experience quiet serenity
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Chrysopigi Monastery Chania Crete #myvideosofcrete #kretaonline #chrysopigimonastery
kretaonline
63 likes • 1.3K views

🙏 Be Respectful

Dress modestly out of respect for the religious nature of the site. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the expansive olive grove; it's a truly tranquil spot. Reddit

Day 28 The Monastery of Chrysopigi, located near Chania, Crete, has a rich history spanning several centuries. Established in the late 16th century during the Venetian rule, it was founded by Ioannis Chartophylakas, a physician and philosopher of notable influence in Chania at the time. The monastery quickly became a significant spiritual center, housing numerous monks and boasting a well-stocked ...
tammylevent
5 likes • 95 views
x Platanias x Chania x Manosakis Winery x Holy Monastery of Chrysopigi x Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete x Preveli x Raeti
kathrinepederse
7 likes • 1.2K views

🛍️ Shop for Treasures

The souvenir shop offers unique items, a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access

Located a short distance from Chania, easily reachable by car. Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for Orthodox women’s monasteries in Greece that might accept respectful short-term volunteers

Tips

from all over the internet

🙏 Be Respectful

Dress modestly out of respect for the religious nature of the site. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Don't miss the expansive olive grove; it's a truly tranquil spot. Reddit

🛍️ Shop for Treasures

The souvenir shop offers unique items, a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access

Located a short distance from Chania, easily reachable by car. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(825 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Chrysopigi Monastery for its profound peace and the exceptional kindness of the nuns, describing it as a 'welcoming and beautiful place' and a 'serene respite.' Many highlight the spiritual atmosphere and the lovely grounds, particularly the olive grove. Some note that it's a must-visit for those in Crete seeking a tranquil experience. Reddit+3

"One of the most welcoming and beautiful places in the world, all of the nuns are so very kind and emulate the love of Christ. If you’re in Crete, this is a must-visit no matter where you are traveling from. Liturgies are on the weekends and start at 8:00AM. We have a forever connection to St. Porphyrios by God’s grace from this visit."

Theophan Webster

"As soon as you step through the door you enter into another world, away from the everyday busyness and into the peace of God's presence. The sisters are very kind and welcoming. Wonderful place"

Maja Sellmer

"The Women’s convent (Monastery) of Chrysopigi lies a short distance from the center town of Chania.
Founded in the middle of the 16th century in the last period of Venetian occupation of Crete.

A monastic community seeking ecological consciousness through environmental education programs aimed at school children"

Ioannis Kotzianoglou

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Kind and welcoming nuns
Beautiful olive grove

What People Dislike

Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Chrysopigi Monastery is located a short distance from the center of Chania. It's easily accessible by car or taxi. Reddit Many visitors combine a trip here with other nearby attractions like Manosakis Winery or Platanias. Instagram

While specific bus routes might vary, it's generally recommended to use a taxi or a rental car for the most convenient access to the monastery from Chania. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Chrysopigi Monastery is typically free, as it is a place of worship and contemplation. Donations are always welcome. Reddit

The monastery is generally open to visitors during daylight hours, but it's best to check for any specific timings, especially if you wish to attend services. Reddit

Yes, liturgies are held on weekends starting at 8:00 AM. Reddit This offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the spiritual atmosphere. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

As it is a religious site, modest dress is appreciated. This means covering shoulders and knees. TikTok

The monastery offers a peaceful environment. While children are welcome, it's important to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. Reddit

Visitors can expect a serene chapel, a beautiful and extensive olive grove, and a welcoming atmosphere from the nuns. Reddit There's also a souvenir shop. Reddit

Photography rules can vary. It's generally best to be discreet and avoid taking photos inside the chapel or during services. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The monastery itself does not typically have a restaurant. However, there is a souvenir shop where you might find small items. Reddit You'll find dining options in nearby Chania. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The olive grove offers beautiful natural light and serene backdrops. The exterior architecture of the monastery is also very photogenic. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites and may require special permission. It's best to avoid flying drones here. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chrysopigi Monastery offers a peaceful environment that can be a calming experience for families. While it's a religious site, the expansive olive grove provides space for children to explore quietly. Reddit The nuns are known for their kindness, which can make families feel welcome. Reddit It's a good opportunity to teach children about respect for religious sites and to enjoy a moment of tranquility away from busier tourist spots. Remember to encourage quiet behavior and modest dress. TikTok

🧘‍♀️ Spiritual Seekers

For those on a spiritual journey, Chrysopigi Monastery is a highly recommended destination. Visitors often describe feeling a profound sense of peace and connecting with a higher presence. Reddit The opportunity to attend weekend liturgies at 8:00 AM offers a chance to participate in the monastic community's spiritual life. Reddit The welcoming nature of the nuns and the serene atmosphere create an environment conducive to prayer, meditation, and reflection. Reddit+1

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find the olive grove at Chrysopigi Monastery particularly appealing, offering beautiful natural light and serene compositions. Reddit The architectural details of the monastery itself also provide interesting subjects. Instagram While photography is generally permitted on the grounds, it's important to be respectful and avoid intrusive shots, especially inside the chapel or during services. Instagram The golden hour light can be magical here, so consider visiting in the late afternoon. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Monastery of Chrysopigi boasts a rich history, with its origins tracing back to the late 16th century during the Venetian rule of Crete. It was founded by Ioannis Chartophylakas, a respected physician and philosopher in Chania at the time. Instagram Over the centuries, it evolved into a significant spiritual center, becoming a women's convent known for its peaceful atmosphere and welcoming community. Reddit

The monastery also engages in environmental education, aiming to foster ecological consciousness among school children through various programs. Reddit This dual focus on spirituality and education makes Chrysopigi a unique and valuable institution.

Visitors often remark on the profound sense of peace that envelops them upon arrival, describing it as stepping into 'another world' away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Reddit The kindness of the nuns is frequently highlighted, contributing to the monastery's reputation as a welcoming and spiritually uplifting destination. Reddit+1

Experiencing the Tranquility

Chrysopigi Monastery is renowned for its serene ambiance, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and quiet. The monastery grounds feature a lovely chapel and a huge olive grove, offering picturesque settings for reflection and relaxation. Reddit Many visitors find the experience deeply calming and spiritually enriching. Reddit

The nuns at Chrysopigi are consistently praised for their warmth and hospitality. Reddit+1 Their welcoming nature contributes significantly to the monastery's inviting atmosphere, making visitors feel at ease and embraced. This genuine kindness is often cited as a highlight of the visit. Reddit

For those interested in the spiritual aspect, attending the weekend liturgies is a recommended experience. These services typically begin at 8:00 AM and offer a chance to immerse oneself in the monastery's devotional practices. Reddit The overall experience is often described as a 'serene respite' on the outskirts of Chania. Reddit

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