Arkadi Monastery is located near Amnatos village, 23 kilometers east of Rethymnon. It is built to an altitude of 500m, over a fertile plane with groves, vineyards, pines, cypress, and oaks. Around the monastery there are many picturesque churches, while next of the monastery we can see the beautiful Arkadi gorge.
History
The exact date of the foundation of the monastery is unknown, but probably it has been founded by the Emperor Arkadius at the 12th century. In another version, the name is due to the monk Arkadios who founded the monastery. Also the monastery was named and Tsalni Manastir (beneficiary bell) as the monks of the monastery had claimed the right by the Turks to strike the church bell instead of a traditional monastery gong-like bell.
The original church of the monastery was dedicated to Saint Constantine and the ruins are preserved at the northwest section of the fence. The monastery is surrounded by a strong wall that made it impregnable by the enemies and its rich fortifications attracted rebellious Cretans. Many Turkish and Greek documents refer to the life and the adventures of the monastery which was able to feed or hide rebels, to provide elementary education, to strengthen the morally of the area and to forefront national affairs.
Arkadi is certainly the most historical monastery in Crete, it was to become the most sacred symbol of the battle of Crete for Freedom since the tragic holocaust of 1866, that led the way to the liberation of the island in 1898, took place there. UNESCO has identified Arkadi as a European Monument Of Freedom.