Gonia Monastery

Gonia Monastery (Monastery of Panagia Hodegetria) is located on the southeast coast of the Rodopos peninsula. It was founded in the 9th century and was originally situated at Menies, on the ruins of the ancient temple of Artemis. The monastery was built in the 13th century and rebuilt between 1618 and 1634 in its present location, with Venetian influences in its architectural design and adornments.

According to monks the present location at Kolymvari was considered safer from attack. Despite this, the monastery was heavily damaged by Ottoman bombardment on many occasions throughout its history, finally in 1867, during the Cretan Revolt (1866–1869). During WWII the monastery was partly destroyed by German bombing and it became one of the most important areas of Cretan resistance to Nazi Germany.