The Monastery is located in the village of Kritsa, at the foot of Mount Kastellos and at an altitude of approximately 365 m. It was founded around 1211 and is considered an important example of local ecclesiastical architecture. It is a three-aisled vaulted temple with a western cross-section and arched openings. Carved frames adorn all the doors and windows. The church is dedicated to Saint John the Theologian (central nave), Master Christ and Saint Charalambos. The frescoes bear an inscription that dates them around 1347-48. Also preserved are despotic icons (17th-18th century) as well as the litanic cross (14th century) which is kept in the Historical Museum of Crete. In the 16th century the Monastery is administratively under the Toplou Monastery, but maintains its own property and Metochi. In documents of the 19th c. there are reports related to the Monastery and its monks. In 1925, the cells of the monastery and its estates were granted to refugees from Asia Minor.
Editor: Niki Kalopaidis