The Holy Monastery of Arkadi is situated 23 kilometers far from Rethymnon, at the Southeast, and it is one of the most important historic monuments of Crete, an eternal symbol of sacrifice for freedom, as it is here that Constantinos Ghiamboudakis, the Cretan hero, blasted the powder-keg during the revolt of 1866, so that the Ottomans would not capture the people who had found refuge there.

The Monastery is found at the Northwest side of Psiloritis, at a height of some 500 meters. Whatever route you choose to reach it, you will pass from places both with natural beauty and with historic importance.

Tradition states that the Monastery was established by the Byzantine emperors Herakleios and Arkadios, after whom it has been given its name. However, it is more possible that the Monastery was named after a monk called Arkadios.

The Museum of the Monastery
Within the Monastery a small Museum houses artifacts related to the history and function of the place. It is displayed the Banner of the Revolution of 1866, as well as religious artifacts, sacerdotal vestments trimmed with gold, weapons and other souvenirs .