The monastery of Preveli is situated to the south of Rethymnon, 36 km far from the city while near it there is τthe Kourtaliotiko gorge leading to the south Cretan sea and the famous beach of Preveli.
Preveli comprises two separate building complexes, which are located 1.7km from each other, the “Kato (lower) monastery” of St John Prodromos and the Piso (Back) Monastery of St John Theologos.
The first monastery complex is the Kato Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodomos, which is ruined as it was destroyed and looted several times by the various conquerors of Crete.
Piso Monastery
The Piso Monastery of Theologos operates as a male monastery and is actually the monastery of Preveli. It is built on the rocky cliffs of Mesokorfi mount, at an altitude of 170m, with an incredible sea view. The complex is built in shape Π, with a two-aisled church, dedicated to St. John the Theologian (celebr. May 8) and the Annunciation, in its center.
Many of the valuable objects and icons are exhibited in a small museum, inside the monastery while a large number of icons (16th-20th century) have been collected from Kato Monastery, Piso Monastery and various chapels owned by Preveli.
The exact date of the monastery founding is unknown, but there are indications that there was a small monastery in the 10th century monastery. It is likely that the monastery takes its name from Akakios Prevelis, who renovated the monastery in 1670.
Preveli has linked its name with the participation of its monks in every liberation struggle of the Cretans.
During the German occupation (1940s), the monastery hosted more than 5000 allies who fought in the Battle of Crete.
Moreover, Preveli is famous for the Holy Cross (Timios Stavros) stored in the temple, that was donated by the Abbot Effraim Prevelis and is considered miraculous.
