The gorge of Katholiko, also known as To Avlaki tou Agίou (= water channel of the saint), as locals call it, is located at the northern end of Akrotίri, near Chania. Starting our short journey...
The
gorge of Katholiko, also known as To Avlaki tou Agίou (= water channel of the
saint), as locals call it, is located at the northern end of Akrotίri, near
Chania. Starting our short journey at the wider area of Chania, we reach the
site of Profhetes Elias at Akrotiri, where there exist the Venizelos Graves.
From this location, the view of Chania is superb. Historically, the place is
significant because it hosted the revolutionary armed forces which realised the
autonomy of Crete from the Turkish rule back in 1897. Furthermore, it is the
burial place of two of the most important political figures of Greece during
the 20th century, Eleftherios Venizelos and his son, Sophoklis. Leaving behind
the site of Profhetes Elias, we pass through colorful villages and find
ourselves in Aghia Triada (The Holy Trinity) Monastery, established in the
early 17th century by the Venetian monks Laurentius and Ieremias Tzagarollo. It
is still the biggest monastery complex in Crete and the earliest buildings are
perfect examples of the local architecture of their time. The monk community
has played an important role in numerous Cretan revolts against the Turkish
rule and has been pillaged by the conqueror’s army during the 1821 revolution.
The monastery has been renovated in 1854, with the addition of the chapels of
the Saint Crucifixion and the Saint Apostles and from 1892, it serves under the
Greek orthodox dogma. Our next stop is the Gouverneto monastery (The Lady of The
Angels) built in 1537 by monks of the pre-existing Catholic monastery which due
to its proximity to the sea, had been attacked on numerous occasions by
pirates. The complex resembles to a fortress, having four towers at the
respective corners and bearing a considerable fortification. At present, it has
chapels dedicated to Saint John the Hermit and the Ten Saints. From here we
start the walk all the way down to Katholikon Monastery and we continue all the
way to the sea and the same way back to the top. We continue to Marathi beach
for swimming before we start driving back to our hotels.
Important
Notes:
-Needed minimum
participation of 6 persons (adults)
-Driving Distance: from Chania
city 40 km total
-Difficulty Level: 2
-Duration: 6 -7 hours
-Walking time: 3 hrs
-What to bring: Very good walking or trekking shoes, hat, swimsuit, sunscreen, money.
-Don't Forget:
This trip is not recommended for people suffering from car sickness, fear of
heights or bumpy roads, disabled people or people with mobility problems,
children under 13 years old or for any persons who for some reason could have
issues joining a trekking tour.
Entrance fees are 5,00€ (as per 2018) for the monasteries and
paid on the spot by the guest. In case of any increase entrance fees will alter
accordingly.