Rethymnon, Giannoudi Village, Villas

Monastiriako

• Facilities
• Description
• Policies
• Book

The Venetian village of Giannoudi is located 3 km away from Rethymno and 70 km from Heraklion and Chania, in the northern part of Crete. Monastiriako has been restored in this beautiful village. This old name, used up until today, the small church next to it as well as its architectural style suggest that the building was a monastery even before the Venetian era. Giannoudi was a Venetian defence settlement, amphitheatrically located on a hill enjoying a broad view of the Cretan sea. The gorge of Prasses, the river, the olive trees and the vegetation around them have been characterized by the Greek state as a region of special natural beauty. The archaeological service of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has considered Monastiriako as a building of architectural and historical value. The materials that have been used for the restoration of the building are Alfa stone of Rethymno, cypress wood and soil of the area. The courtyards (650 m2) are covered with some of the finest stone-relief elements of the Venetian decoration, overshadowed by high walls on every side with loopholes and overhang by bougainvillea, cacti and jasmine and planted with cypresses, citrus and palm trees. There is also an old beautiful olive press building. In the central courtyard there is a swimming pool with water massage accessible from all the suites. Monastiriako is a complex of four 15th century Venetian suites.