TOPLOU MONASTERY
The most important collection of weapons of all Crete in a rich and powerful monastery of Vai.
The monastery of Toplou or Akrotiriani, built like a fortress, can be visited and offers to the curious eyes superb icons as well as frescos of which some date from the XIVth century. Its name Toplou is of Turkish origin and means "armed with a cannon". It was rebuilt in the 15th century, under the Venetian occupation, on the ruins of an ancient temple or monastery. The cells are built on three floors while the small two-aisle church is dedicated to the Virgin and St. John the Theologian. Lovers of icons and Byzantine art will not want to miss it. One can admire, among others, the icons of the altarpiece dating from the eighteenth century. A rich and powerful monastery, Toplou has amassed treasures that are now presented to the public. Another more original feature, it is in Toplou that you will see the most important collection of weapons of all Crete, from the struggle for independence in 1821 to the Second World War. The explanation is that this monastery has a tradition of resistance and has, on several occasions, sheltered partisans. The monks of Toplou produce in their spare time one of the best olive oils (organic) of Crete, as well as a very good wine and raki. You can also take a look at the cellar in a building near the monastery. Finally, the tiny bar-snack of the monastery located at the entrance serves as a specialty an excellent wild asparagus omelet (harvested in season and then frozen). Don't miss the chance to try it!
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