The
monastery of Preveli is situated 35.5 km south of Rethymno, in an area
of unique natural beauty. It was built in 1670 by Abbot Prevelis, upon
the ruins of an earlier monastery which was destroyed by the Turks in 1646.
According to another version, the monastery was built by the feudal lord
Prevelis, who offered his land to the monks, along with the chapel of St.
John which was built in the estate.
During the Cretan battle against
the Turks and the German Occupation, the monastery contributed significantly
to the Greek struggle for liberty and independence, as it provided refuge
to all fighters, Greek and allies. The exterior of the monastery is dominated
by an imposing bell-tower, built in 1629, while, in the interior, one can
visit the guesthouse, the library, the abbot's office and a small museum
with the remarkable ecclesiastic heirlooms, valuable documents, sacred
vestments and the edict of Gregory E' offering the monastery the protection
of the Patriarchate of Constantinopole, in 1789.
The church was
built in 1836 and dedicated to St John the Theologist. Inside, one can
admire the pure-gold Holy Cross, the silver chandelier and the bishop's
throne.
Near the monastery of Preveli stands
another, with the same name, dedicated to St John, which is abandoned. |
