The Monastery of Faneromeni, also known as “Panagia of Gournia”, is located above the Minoan city in the area of Gournia, northwest of Pachia Ammos and 24km south of Agios Nikolaos.
It is a male monastery built on a steep slope at an altitude of 540 meters. Right in front of the complex there is a panoramic view of the bay of Mirabello and the city of Agios Nikolaos, while the temple of the monastery is built inside a cave.
The location of the monastery is reminiscent of a fortress high above the sea. This position shows its defensive character against the frequent pirate raids against the coast of Crete. Its architectural layout is reminiscent of the monasteries that were rebuilt in the late 16th and 17th centuries.
According to tradition, the monastery existed from 1282. During the Turkish occupation, there was a secret school in it, which survives to this day.
It celebrates on the 15th of August (Assumption of the Virgin Mary) gathering a crowd of believers, who go up to the monastery on foot to offer an oblation.
