Greece is an Orthodox nation. And Chania is no exception, as there are numerous monasteries, churches, white-washed chapels and caves where hermits used to reside: This private tour is all about Chania’s Christian tradition and monasteries.
Our historian, specialising in Byzantine Archaeology starts the tour by visiting the ruins of an unknown church complex, where we learn the ancient orthodox doctrines and how the divine liturgy was carried out.
Afterwards, we continue heading to the east parts of Chania, while we learn about the ancient deities, the 12 Gods of Mount Olympus, and their relation to the prosperity of people, especially in the farming sector.
A visit to a monastery that dates back to 1600 is our next stop, where we can admire the Byzantine Archaeology and the close connection that Crete (and Greece) has with the Byzantine Empire. Our historian in this private excursion in Chania explains the significance of the altar, as well as the various rituals and celebrations that take place inside the church of the Cretan Monasteries.
A stop at a nearby abandoned olive mill leaves us in awe, as we understand the tedious process of olive oil production and the enormous assets that the church has, due to the centuries-long tradition and various donations of the pilgrims.
A talk to the superior of the Monastery will broaden our spiritual horizons, and a nice coffee break in a traditional Cretan village will help us regain and for our historian to solve any queries guests may have on this private tour in Chania.
Our tour continues towards the area of Akrotiri, a mountainous vicinity on the Northeast of Chania. Akrotiri region is very famous for its monasteries, its hidden thesauruses and its monastic tradition, as many ascetics and hermits used to reside in this part of Crete.
As we continue onwards, we make a stop at two desolate, active and impeccable beautiful monasteries that will astonish us, as we pass through tiny mountain passages, and admire the enormous cultivated lands of the monasteries and their countless priceless relics of Christian Orthodox Tradition. Seeing monks in their active duties will help us understand the hardships of daily life as a monk, as we admire their high spirituality.
Our Christianity and religious tour in Chania ends by having a visit to an abandoned monastery complex and to a white-washed chapel devoted to the Virgin Mary, where we can admire the most breathtaking views before we pay our respects and take some photos as a souvenir of the Holy Tradition and the Monasteries of Chania.
