- Region
- Sitia, far east Crete
- Age
- More than five centuries
- Highlight
- Kornaros icon of 1770
- Also
- Museum, winery, olive oil
The fortress monastery
High walls and a tall tower protected the monks from pirate raids, and the defences were strengthened after the earthquake of 1612. The name Toplou is usually explained as coming from the Turkish word for cannon, after the gun the monks once kept.
Icons
The church holds the famous icon 'Great Art Thou, O Lord', painted by Ioannis Kornaros in 1770, a dense composition of scenes illustrating a hymn. The museum also displays icons from the 15th to 18th centuries, manuscripts, engravings and old Venetian books.
Wine and oil
The monastery cultivates vineyards and olive groves, and its PDO wine and olive oil can be tasted at the monastery's winery.
Getting there
Toplou is off the road from Sitia to Vai, about 25 minutes from Sitia. Combine it with Vai, Itanos or Palekastro, which is 6 km away.
Questions before you go
Why is Toplou monastery fortified?
To defend against pirate raids.
What is the famous icon at Toplou?
'Great Art Thou, O Lord' by Ioannis Kornaros, painted in 1770.
Can you taste wine at Toplou?
Yes, at the monastery's winery.
