Agios Georgios Monastery
An old historic place, carefully tended by the last monk of ket monastery. The old olive mill is certainly special, as is the small picturesque monastery.
The Monastery of Agios Georgios (St. George) is located about 2 km east of Vamos, in the region of Chania. The monastery was abandoned for a long period but in recent years basic works were carried out for the restoration of the monastery complex, in order this important monument of folk architecture to be revived and highlighted.
The Holy Monastery of Agios Georgios was founded in 1600 at the spot where the small village of Karydi was located. During the Turkish occupation, the Ottomans forced the residents of Karydi to either abandon the village or change their faith and become Muslims. The four families that became Muslims, asked the Turks to turn the church of Agios Georgios to a mosque. The local priest, in order to save the church, was forced to pay exhaustive taxes. Being very difficult to pay all these taxes every year, he decided to grant the church to the Monastery of the Agia Triada Tzagarolon, in 1720.
In 1821 the local governor of the time, Mustafa Naili Pasha, granted more freedoms to the Christians of Crete, especially to the Monastery of Agia Triada. More monks came to Karydi and built a new and larger church. In 1929 the Turkish authorities granted the monastery a license to produce olive oil, fact that helped to develop further. Particularly impressive is the building of the olive oil press, which according to inscriptions, was completed in 1863. The huge olive oil press, consists of twelve stone arches, integrated with older buildings of the space. Inside, there are four millstones that are not found in any other olive oil press in Crete. Today only their built bases survive as the millstones have been removed.
The monastery at some point had around 3600 olive trees, fact that justify the enormous quantities of olive oil, produced. Nowadays, the roof of the olive oil press has collapsed, however the building still remains the trademark of the monastery. In 1900 the last monk left, which resulted in the abandonment of the monastery in 1923. Most of its property was granted to the veterans of the Balkan wars and to the Asia Minor campaign. Today, it operates as an independent monastery.
The monastery of Agios Georgios is without doubt a masterpiece of the time and among the most interesting monuments in the prefecture of Chania.
Vamos Open Market
very Sunday, from 9am till 2pm, the vibrant village of Vamos in Crete comes alive with the bustling atmosphere of our open market. This is a special gathering where local producers, artists, and artisans come together to showcase their incredible range of products.
Vamos village is located in Chania perfecture, in West Crete on the foothills of ‘The White Mountains’, 25 km from the beautiful city of Chania.
The architectural heritage is well-preserved and Vamos is one of the most attractive traditional destinations of the area: a preserved traditional stone road, the old neighbourhood, well painted Chapels of Virgin Mary (monument of 13th century), and Karidi Monastery 13th-19th, with the most spectacular scenery of an old olive press with 12 arches.
Safaritours close to Georgioupolis
An off-the-road, outdoor activity with a Land Rover Defender
Discover another Crete with professional and informative drivers. They will tell you about mythology, history and anecdotes from their island. An Safari Club excursion will show you far more than you would ever expect to see of Crete. Wild animals, flowers and herbs, Cretan inhabitants and their genuine hospitality. Not forgetting the stunning landscape that will take your breath away!
Safari Club is a unique experience.
Join trips through the beautiful Cretan wilderness, high into the mountains where only the goats and donkeys usually go. Let the island amaze you, for sure this will be the best day of your holiday! Land Rover jeep safari Crete an unique experience