Moni Gonia – Kolimvari

Just a kilometer north of Kolimvari, 26 km from Chania, lays the Monastery of Gonia, dedicated to the Virgin Odigitria. It consists of the abbot and monks’ cells, bank, warehouses and cellars. To the north of the monastery is the building of the Orthodox Academy of Crete. It was built in the 17th century with Venetian influences in its architectural design and adornment. The monastery was heavily damaged by Ottoman bombardment on many occasions throughout its history, evidence of which can be seen today by the remaining cannon ball lodged in the monastery wall. During World War II the monastery was partly destroyed by German bombing and it became one of the most important areas of Cretan resistance to Nazi Germany.