A few words about Arkadi

The Holy Monastery of Arkadi is a historical Monastery in Crete. It was founded by a monk named Arcadius. The first form of the monastery is believed to have been built either during the period 961 to 1014, or in the early years of the Venetian times. The monastery played an active role in the Cretan resistance of Ottoman rule during the Cretan revolt of 1866. 943 Greeks, mostly women and children, sought refuge in the monastery. After three days of battle and under orders from the hegumen (abbot) of the monastery, the Cretans blew up barrels of gunpowder, choosing to sacrifice themselves rather than surrender. UNESCO has designated Arkadi as a European Freedom Monument.