Heraklion Monastery of Saint George Epanosifis

Location: Metaxochori

The Monastery of Saint George Epanosifis is one of the oldest and most populous monasteries in all of Crete. Also referred to as Epanosifis, it lies about 28 kilometers south of Heraklion Town, near the settlement of Metaxochori. It was established at the end of the Venetian Era, sometime between 1590 and 1600, by monk Paisios of the Apezana Monastery. According to legend, the monk was visited by Saint George in his dream, who asked him to expand the small Church of Saint George into what would eventually become the Monastery.

The name Epanosifis originated from Lagouvardos, the ruler of the area who employed two shepherds named Sifis. To tell them apart, he called one of them Epanosifis (Upper Sifis) and the other Katosifis (Lower Sifis). The Monastery flourished during the time of Ottoman rule, serving as a spiritual and educational center. Concerted efforts to preserve Greek speech and writing were made by the monks living in the Monastery, who copied books, wrote hymns, and preached. They would also lend their help to Cretan citizens in need and take in travelers and trekkers.

The Monastery’s social and spiritual contributions continued up until the Greek Revolution of 1821. Many monks joined the revolutionary efforts, while the elder monks were moved to the Apezana Monastery, along with many of the Monastery’s heirlooms. In 1941, the monks participated in the Battle of Crete, which saw multiple German airborne landings on the island. An area of the monastery was also transformed into a hospital for those wounded during the battle.

Today, the Monastery of Saint George Epanosifis maintains its unique spiritual significance, having several dependencies across the wider region. Those include the monasteries of Aistratigos, Saint Anthony, and Xera Xyla as well as many smaller chapels. Epanosifis boasts an extensive collection of religious icons, heirlooms, carved crosses, and gospels. Of special interest are the holy icon of Saint George from Xera Xyla Monastery and a silver chalice dating to the 19th century.

The two-aisled Basilica of Saint George is located in the center of the monastery's courtyard. The on-site museum features many artifacts and spans two floors, providing guests with a thorough look into the history of this religious center. The monastery also features an impressive library and a Higher Ecclesiastical School housed in a former orphanage.

Epanosifis holds two celebrations a year, one on the 23rd of April and the other on the 3rd of November. The former is comprised of a feast honoring Saint Geoge’s martyrdom, while the latter is held in memory of the translation of Saint George’s relics.

Top Tours and activities

• Guided safari South Crete and Tripitis Gorge

  Category: Day Trips

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  9 hours Map

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