The Gouverneto Monastery is located 19 km north of Chania in the Akrotiri peninsula. This is one of the oldest monasteries of the island with the construction date in 1537. The sacred temple of the monastery is dedicated to Holy Mary, so called the monastery "Our Lady of the Angels" too. The construction began in the Venetian era, but has stopped during the Turkish occupation. The completion of the temple was finished after many years with special permission of the Turkish authorities.

The construction of the monastery reminds castle fortifications with Venetian influences. It has two floors and houses 50 monks' cells, and had four towers at each corner with loopholes to protect against attacks. Today only rescued the two towers. Interesting and impressive features are the monsters carved in relief on the front of the church. 

North of the monastery starts Avlaki gorge. The trail is steep and runs down to the sea. For start you will find the “Bear Cave”, legend tells about a bear that was turned to stone and became a great rock inside the cave. Continuing you will arrive at the monastery of St. John the Hermit and end up in a cove with turquoise waters, once used as a port.

Visit Gouverneto Monastery and explore the gorge Avlaki with comfort and safety that cars of Rent a car at Crete offers you. Feel free to send us an email request for suggestions and information for a more cultural vacation experience in Crete.